Special City Council Meeting 02-18-26

The City of DeBary held a Special City Council Meeting on February 18, 2026, focusing primarily on procurement and budget-related matters. The council approved the renewal of the DeBary Babe Ruth facility use agreement for one year with two annual renewals, highlighting the league's contributions of $63,000 toward new dugouts at Bill Culler Park and an additional $30,000 earmarked for future projects such as dugout replacements at Rob Sullivan Park. The meeting also included a detailed briefing on the 2026 legislative session, discussing various bills impacting local government finances, including property tax reforms, tangible personal property tax exemptions, and budget transparency requirements. The council reviewed potential impacts of these legislative changes on city revenue, particularly concerning the loss of significant tax income from utilities and businesses, and discussed strategies such as non-ad valorem assessments and possible service consolidations to mitigate budget shortfalls. The session underscored the challenges posed by state mandates on local governance, zoning, and taxation, with council members expressing concerns about maintaining essential services amid evolving legislative pressures.