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Commission deadlocks on first reading of ordinance to bar donations to organizations commissioners belong to
Summary
A proposed ordinance that would have prohibited the commission from approving donations to organizations of which any commissioner is a member failed on a 3–3 vote on first reading. Commissioners debated legal limits, the option to use a resolution, and whether membership alone creates a conflict under Chapter 112 of the Florida Statutes.
The Daytona Beach City Commission failed on a tie vote June 3 to advance an ordinance that would bar the governing body from approving donations to any organization that counts a city commissioner as a member.
Commissioner Cantu moved the first‑reading ordinance, arguing that voters deserve transparency and that commissioners should not sponsor donations to groups of which they are members. Commissioner Paris and others disagreed, saying nonprofit bylaws and federal rules typically prevent personal benefit to members and that membership alone does not necessarily constitute a conflict. Legal staff advised the commission to research Chapter 112 of the Florida Statutes before acting.
After debate and public comment, the roll‑call on first reading resulted in a 3–3 split and the motion failed. Commissioners discussed alternative paths — a resolution (immediate effect) versus an ordinance (requires two readings and advertising) — and asked staff for legal research on whether the proposed restriction would be consistent with state law. Commissioners also acknowledged that the public should have notice when grant allocations are added to agendas.
Next steps: staff (city attorney and legal counsel) were asked to research statutory ethics constraints and to report back; the item may return after legal review or be reintroduced as a resolution or ordinance depending on counsel’s advice.
