Deltona approves settlement to resolve Howland Station litigation, authorizes property steps and budget amendment
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Summary
The commission voted 6–0 to approve a global settlement package resolving two related lawsuits tied to the Howland Station project and to ratify associated property transactions and a budget amendment; staff said settlement avoids additional litigation exposure and acquires about 5.5 acres.
Deltona — The City Commission unanimously approved a resolution to resolve ongoing litigation tied to the Howland Station project, ratify related property transactions and amend the fiscal year 2025–26 budget to implement the agreement.
City Attorney told the commission the litigation included two related matters: a challenge to the city's land‑use ordinance and a separate Bert Harris Act claim tied to the same development parcels. Court‑ordered mediation on Jan. 6 yielded a global settlement that city staff and counsel recommended to limit further legal exposure and avoid a contested trial scheduled in February.
The attorney summarized the financial calculations considered during mediation: estimated litigation expenses through trial for the land‑use case were roughly $195,000 and potential plaintiff attorney‑fee exposure could be at least $250,000 if the plaintiff prevailed on the SB180 challenge. The memo used in closed‑session preparations also estimated a total potential cash exposure north of $2.2 million when factoring multiple scenarios and continued litigation costs. The city attorney explained the settlement provides certainty by resolving the two cases and preventing a third. The settlement contemplates acquisition of about 5.5 acres tied to the subject parcels and ratification of certain property transactions.
Several residents weighed in during public comment, including critical remarks about perceived political timing and developer motivations. After discussion, the commission voted 6–0 to approve Resolution 2026‑06 approving the settlement as outlined in the meeting materials and to direct staff to schedule a city commission workshop to discuss implementation steps.
What's next: The settlement approval authorizes staff to implement the property transfers specified in the settlement agreement and to amend the FY2025–26 budget; the commission asked for a public workshop so residents can review the settlement terms and planned uses of the acquired land.
Vote: Resolution 2026‑06 approved 6–0.