Volusia County Council debates borrowing to expand Volusia Forever; council splits on next steps

The Volusia County Council spent much of its Dec. 2 meeting debating whether to authorize limited‑tax general obligation bonds to accelerate purchases under the Volusia Forever land‑acquisition program. Supporters said borrowing would let staff act quickly to acquire properties prioritized on the county’s A list, including several large parcels staff described as strategically important for flood control and water‑resource protection. Opponents warned that borrowing commits future councils and could lock the county into conservation easements “in perpetuity” that reduce future flexibility.

Council members and staff described the intended use of the bond authorization as narrowly focused: the resolution under consideration would not itself spend money or buy land, but would create an administrative path (a reimbursement authorization that satisfies federal tax rules) so acquisitions made with county cash could later be financed with tax‑exempt bonds. Finance staff said that approach would allow the county to accumulate parcels and issue debt when enough purchases justify taking on formal…