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DeBary council adopts series of assessments, approves TPO payment and advances ordinance to restrict motorized boats near Alexander Island
Summary
Council unanimously approved resolutions setting assessments for solid waste ($333), stormwater ($160/$80), street lighting and Orlandia Heights ($350), approved a small TPO funding payment, and gave first reading to an ordinance creating a motorized vessel exclusion zone by Alexander Island Park.
At its July 15 special meeting the DeBary City Council approved several resolutions and took first reading on a river safety ordinance. All votes on the listed items were unanimous (5–0).
Votes at a glance - Resolution 2026-05: Solid waste non-ad valorem assessment set at $333 per residential unit for FY2026–27. Motion by Council Member Stevenson; adopted 5–0. - Resolution 2026-06: Stormwater non-ad valorem assessment set at $160/year for residential parcels on public streets and $80/year for residential parcels on private roads and undeveloped parcels; commercial charges based on impervious area with a $160 minimum. Motion by Council Member Stevenson; adopted 5–0. - Resolution 2026-07: Street lighting district assessments set for FY2026–27 (no rate change). Motion adopted 5–0. - Resolution 2026-08: Orlandia Heights Neighborhood Improvement District assessment set at $350 for FY2026–27. Motion adopted 5–0. - Volusia-Flagler TPO funding agreement: Council approved the TPO funding agreement for FY2026–27 (staff cited a population-based figure); motion by Vice Mayor Butland; adopted 5–0. - Ordinance O4-2026 (first reading): Established a motorized vessel exclusion zone in part of the St. Johns River adjacent to Alexander Island Park to protect non-motorized recreation; first reading approved unanimously and staff will submit the ordinance to Fish & Wildlife for review prior to second reading.
Solid waste and stormwater: staff framed the $333 solid-waste assessment as primarily a pass-through to cover landfill, collection and recycling costs and said it reflects landfill fee increases and a renewed seven-year contract. "This is a 12% increase or $3.22 a month per household," the City Manager said. Council members discussed recycling service and whether trucks or vendor transitions cause any confusion for residents; staff said Waste Pro continues to process recycling and that recycling is a small monthly component of the assessment.
Alexander Island ordinance: City Engineer Richard Villas explained the ordinance changes the statutory basis for the exclusion zone from a canoe-trail designation to a public bathing-beach/swim-area designation under the applicable Florida statute to satisfy permitting requirements while maintaining the exclusion area's location and purpose. "The designation of public bathing beach or swim area does provide an appropriate statutory basis for the establishment of the exclusion zone," Villas said.
Council Member Stevenson expressed concern about swimmer safety and recent alligator incidents in the river stretch; Stevenson asked whether liability or mitigation (lifeguards or exclusion nets) had been considered. City Manager and staff said the park will be posted as "at your own risk," that removing all alligators is not feasible and that required permitting and signage will follow Fish & Wildlife and Coast Guard processes. Council agreed to advance the ordinance to second reading after agency review.
Next steps: staff will submit the ordinance to Fish & Wildlife, begin the waterway marker permitting process and bring the second reading back to council for final action; the assessments take effect per the fiscal-year schedule adopted with the resolutions.
