Residents urge cuts and protections as Deltona commissioners give consensus on audits and transportation reserve

During the budget workshop, several members of the public expressed frustration with the proposed FY27 package and urged the commission to pursue deeper cuts before imposing new assessments. Courtney Cross Burgos, identifying herself as a long‑time Deltona resident, said the proposed changes could price longtime homeowners out of the city and urged officials to delay major assessment decisions until after the November property‑tax vote.

Tim Blodgett and other residents praised staff for clear presentation but asked for printed budget books and clearer resident‑facing options. Multiple commenters urged removal of nonessential items and more transparent scenarios showing city options if state or ballot measures change local revenues.

On formal items, the commission gave consensus approval to spend up to $10,000 on a capital‑asset policy review (GASB guidance) and up to $7,500 for a fund‑balance policy rewrite, with staff recommending Purvis Gray to help rewrite the fund‑balance policy. The clerk recorded a 4–2 count on the consent but advised the item required a supermajority and found the threshold satisfied based on raises of hands at the workshop.

Commissioners also gave consensus to designate $135,522 of unobligated general‑fund balance as a transportation reserve for potential matching funds or emergent transportation needs, with staff asked to document the transfer and report back on intended uses.

Staff committed to posting the full proposed budget book online by Aug. 12, providing more detailed breakdowns of programs slated for reduction, and returning with hardship policy language and assessment implementation details prior to the September public hearings.