- December 15, 2025
In a year when Palm Coast property values show an estimated decrease of 12%, and the city has tightened its budget belt an extra few notches, Palm Coast City Council has been wary of what to spend dollars on.
At recent City Council meetings, residents in the R-section said they want a fence to decrease the amount of hoodlum activity in their neighborhood. Bocce ball players at Holland Park want a cover for the courts. Some players say they want shade from the sun; others say the rain ruins the clay surface used on the courts.
But no matter the problem, City Council members know there’s minimal money to be distributed.
City Manager Jim Landon said the estimated property values would equate to cutting $1 million to $1.5 million.
“There isn’t any more belt to tighten,” Landon said at the May 10 City Council workshop. “You have to get rid of the person, if you will.”
City Council member Mary DiStefano — whose term ends this year — said residents say they can’t meet their bills, “but turn to the city and say, ‘I want, I want, I want.’”
“Unfortunately, people aren’t going to be happy, but there’s just no way we can continue to concede to all of these wishes,” she said.
DiStefano suggested money can’t be put toward capital improvements until the economy turns around or until taxes are raised.
Though Flagler County Property Appraiser Jay Gardner said decreased property values don't mean increased taxes, Landon stresses the city continues to see limited funds for capital projects.
As Landon said in regard to finding stacks of cash: “There are no more jars buried in the backyard.”
