- April 19, 2024
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Infrastructure. Water quality. Better roads.
Those are just three things Volusia County Council Chair Ed Kelley mentioned while closing the state of the county address held at the Ocean Center on Tuesday, Jan. 15. While the video portion of the event focused on what the county did in 2018, Kelley spoke about the issues heading Volusia's way in 2019.
“We know that we have a lot of need for road projects throughout the 16 cities and unmet infrastructure needs," Kelley said, later adding that those needs totaled about $1 billion.
“You know, sometimes you take one step forward and two back. We take one back and we’re taking three forward.”
Volusia County Council Chair Ed Kelley
He recognized city officials in the room, asking them to stand. He said Volusia will work with its 16 municipalities to accomplish the list of infrastructure needs as the half-cent sales tax moves forward. The funds generated from the sales tax, on which the county is getting ready to launch a half-million-dollar special election for, will be used solely to improve those needs, he said.
Impact fees, and the county's decision to phase an increase, were not discussed.
Kelley also spoke about the "biggest decision" the council will make this year — hiring a new county manager. He acknowledged former County Manager Jim Dinneen, who was in the audience, for bringing the county to zero debt in the general fund.
He also addressed that county staff is working on a contingency plan to implement the changes mandated by Amendment 10, in case the county's appeal fails in court.
Notably absent from the event was Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood, who has been vocal on social media, and in a press conference, about his disapproval over the council's legal battle regarding the amendment.
Last year, Kelley said at the annual address that Volusia County was "soaring to new heights." During opening remarks, he said the video presentation would show that.
The presentation, featuring all the other council members, celebrated accomplishments like the six additional beach access ramps that were opened in 2018, the ongoing acquisition of an 800 megahertz radio system for the county's public protection department and the 20 miles of new trails.
During Councilwoman Deb Deny's video segment, she highlighted the council's decision to approve a 20 percent match of incentives for B. Braun Medical and Mystic Power Boats. B. Braun is proposing a second manufacturing facility in Daytona Beach, and if this moves forward, the company will invest an additional $100 million into the community, and commit to bring over 200 new jobs to the area.
“We positioned ourselves pretty well, I think in the last couple of years, to take advantage of economic development," Kelley said.
He added that 2018 was a "good year for the airport," despite JetBlue ending service earlier this month. He spoke about the addition of the Canadian Sunwing Airline, as well as Silver Airways.
“You know, sometimes you take one step forward and two back," Kelley said. "We take one back and we’re taking three forward.”
Kelley also spoke about the homeless, citing a high success rate for Hope Place, which opened in March of 2018. According to the state of the county address brochure, Hope Place has transitioned 89% of the 225 adults and children into permanent housing.
“It’s not coming to live," Kelley said. "It’s coming to find their way of life and to get back on track so that they contribute what they can to our communities.”
He closed his speech by thanking those who partnered and worked with the county in 2018.
“I think everyone believes in this room that Volusia County is one of the best places to live, work, play, raise children and grandchildren — a place we’re all proud to call home,” Kelley said.
