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Council questions $11,800 in conference costs as mayoral travel and chamber memberships are reviewed
Summary
Council members pressed staff about a roughly $11,874 line item tied to US Conference of Mayors travel and a set of chamber memberships, asking staff to remove some memberships and to review whether the city should continue funding multiple chambers and certain conference travel.
Council members scrutinized increases to the "mayor and council" expense lines during the FY25 budget workshop, questioning a one-time jump tied to US Conference of Mayors attendance and several chamber-of-commerce memberships.
One council member noted an apparent $11,874 increase associated with US Conference of Mayors attendance, asking for an itemized breakdown and whether the city should absorb lodging and meal costs. Finance director Bridget Bass and others said the increase reflected conference registration and travel costs, and that membership dues and subscriptions are detailed in the budget book (pages cited during the workshop). Bass and council members agreed to review and remove some chamber memberships (Daytona and Port Orange were discussed for removal) and asked staff to produce finer cost detail in the budget packet.
Council members stressed fiscal responsibility and suggested staff bring proposals to trim discretionary travel and membership spending. No formal action or vote was taken; council asked staff to return with detailed backup before finalizing the budget.
