- May 2, 2024
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The Volusia League of Cities will meet at The Casements Thursday to discuss county-wide issues.
BY EMILY BLACKWOOD | STAFF WRITER
Ormond Beach is expecting some visitors this Thursday. The city is hosting the bi-monthly Volusia County League of Cities meeting 6-10 p.m. Dec. 5, at The Casements.
"The Volusia League of Cities is a 501c organization," Ivey Rodriguez, Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce's director of operations, said. "The purpose of the league is to allow an environment for elected officials to build relationships with other elected officials and also educated each other on issues concerning public service and legislative issues."
The dinner party is hosted in alternate jurisdictions. Ormond Beach switched times with another location so guests will be able to see The Casements all lit up and decorated for Christmas.
"The chamber is really excited to be hosting the cocktail hour," Rodriguez said.
Mayor Ed Kelley said the Volusia League of Cities works the Florida League of Cities on statewide issues that affect counties. That sometimes causes conflict.
"Unfortunately, sometimes we have to work against the county as cities because the county tries to impose their will upon us by enforcing restrictions or cutting this or that, Kelley said. "We have a great relationship with the county, and we need to keep that."
Pensions have been difficult to handle for cities. Kelley said they are working out the issue at both state and local levels.
Other issues include state restrictions on local business taxes.
"What business does the state have, telling a local government that you can't have a business tax?" Kelley said. "It makes them look good, and it punishes us."
Some other issues that will be on the elected officials' minds this Thursday include building a center for the homeless, extending the D.A.R.E. program and trying to make sure the cities can keep their community redevelopment areas.
"It's common issues that the Volusia League of Cities tries to work on," Kelley said. "It's issues that affect each city, though not exactly in the same way."
