During the meeting, the PACE Center for Girls was a focal topic, with council members deliberating over the allocation of $2.5 million to the organization. Opinions varied among council members. Some, such as Councilman Santiago and Councilman Robins, advocated for the project, citing the center’s positive societal impact and potential long-term benefits. In contrast, Councilman Johansson expressed reservations about the proposed amount and suggested postponing the decision to allow for further review and strategic planning.

The conversation intensified as public comments were considered. John Nicholson questioned the necessity of the funding, suggesting exploring alternative solutions, while another resident, Maya Gabi White, delivered a plea underscoring the center’s important role in providing safe educational opportunities for the girls it serves. Furthermore, a staff member clarified that a $2 million grant from the school board for a broadband project influenced the decision to recommend ARPA funding for the PACE Center.

The council also discussed the organization’s request for funding for a new facility. The executive director of the PACE Center presented the plans, alongside community leaders who endorsed the initiative. The conversation delved into the funding sources, with the representative explaining appropriations from the state and support from local and private donors. A former participant shared her success story, highlighting the organization’s positive influence. The possibility of the PACE Center becoming a public charter school was also discussed, but the representative outlined the distinct services currently provided.

In addition to the PACE Center funding discussion, the council addressed other community concerns. Several residents spoke on various issues, ranging from public safety near schools to environmental worries. Residents from Ormond Beach, such as Patricia Franzen and Suzanne Shyer, voiced opposition to a proposed fuel terminal, with Franzen thanking Governor DeSantis for allocating $10 million to potentially relocate the facility and Shyer questioning the future of the site.

Public health was another significant topic, with multiple speakers, including Jean Bailey and Stephanie Stone, advocating for the installation of free Narcan vending machines across Volusia County to combat drug overdose deaths. Bailey shared a personal account of her son’s overdose.

Furthermore, the council approved several agenda items with unanimous votes. These included a contract amendment for solid waste collection and recycling services, which entailed a 5% increase based on the Consumer Price Index and a proposal to increase the non-ad valorem assessment for waste collection. Additionally, the council agreed on the Valua Forever purchase of 258 acres of land aimed at benefiting water quality for the Indian River Lagoon, with the Florida Forever program set to reimburse $3.2 million of the purchase cost.

The council tackled transportation and emergency services issues, approving changes to transit services, including the elimination of underperforming bus routes and the implementation of a new alerting software for fire stations by Motorola Solutions. This upgrade was noted to potentially decrease response times significantly, which could improve the fire department’s ISO accreditation.

Budgetary discussions during the meeting were extensive, with the council reviewing a 5-year forecast of taxing funds that accounted for major capital improvements and addressed potential expenses such as SunRail and courthouse refurbishment. The forecast predicted a decline in growth rates of taxable values and included a partial rollback to offset increased SunRail costs. The general fund, law enforcement fund, and other specific funds were reviewed in detail, with millage rates and project allocations discussed at length. The budget amendment for the reallocation of Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Funds was approved, moving $2 million into reserves.

Lastly, the council initiated a discussion on the upcoming 10-year Charter review, setting the groundwork for the review process and the formation of a committee to commence in May 2025.