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Vice mayor asks for accounting after $47,000 back-to-school event; requests legal review of potential conflicts
Summary
Vice Mayor Maritza Avila requested a detailed written accounting and legal review for roughly $47,000 in reported public spending tied to a back-to-school giveaway, and asked the city attorney to examine whether commissioner participation created a conflict or appearance of impropriety.
Vice Mayor Maritza Avila asked the city manager and city attorney to provide a full written accounting and documentation for roughly $47,000 in reported expenditures connected to a recent back-to-school giveaway, including invoices, contracts, sponsor contributions and donation records.
Avila listed specific questions: whether the city was a sponsor or partner, how funds were dispersed, whether the Volusia Hispanic Association received payments or whether the city purchased goods directly, and what procurement process was used. She also requested that the city attorney review whether Commissioner Emma Santiago's ongoing leadership role in the organizer group could present an actual or perceived conflict of interest. Avila said, "Because public funds are involved, I respectfully request a clear written accounting of the expenditures." Commissioners voted to direct staff and legal to review the matters by consensus vote 4-3 on whether to proceed with any outside investigations that would obligate city funds.
