County Council - Tuesday May 5, 2026

The County Council of Volusia met on May 5, 2026, addressing several procurement and budget-related matters. A significant agenda item was the unanimous approval of a $20 million purchase of the Riverbend Ranch property, encompassing nearly 1,300 acres of environmentally sensitive land along the St. Johns River, funded through the Volusia Forever program. This acquisition aims to preserve natural resources and prevent future development. The council also discussed transit service adjustments, including proposed route changes and potential fare increases for paratransit services to address budget shortfalls, with a motion passed to reject a 50-cent fare increase for paratransit. Additionally, the council reviewed impact fee policies for accessory dwelling units, considering a proposal to reduce fees by treating ADUs as expansions of primary residences rather than separate units, which would lower costs for homeowners. Other topics included ongoing Ocean Center renovations with a $40 million budget allocation, and discussions on domestic violence data transparency initiatives. Public comments highlighted community concerns such as the need for youth sports facilities and environmental preservation. Overall, the meeting focused on land acquisition, transit service budgeting, and policy adjustments affecting county infrastructure and services.