DeLand, FL - Volusia County Council members heard from a number of county agencies during their Tuesday meeting. One request from Volusia County Sheriff's Division Chief Shane Summers to add additional license plate readers around the County was met with a few questions. Summers explained that the readers only look for license plates from known offenders and stolen vehicles and that they go out of the system in 120 days. He also pointed out that VCSO has made more than 100 arrests since January 1and that number does not include those caught in the city of Daytona Beach. A request for $573,661 to fund the purchase of additional units was approved.
Other expenditures asked for by VCSO includes a new enterprise resource planning system which will cost the county $749,600. That item is part of the budget submitted by the Sheriff's Office and will not be in addition to that budget. Sheriff Mike Chitwood said that the city of Deltona asked for four more deputies to be added to the contract they have with the county. That will increase the revenue from that contract to $12,284,295. The change was approved unanimously as was the interlocal agreement with the city of DeBary, which brings in revenue of $3,629,958 to the county.
Also from VCSO, Captain Dave Brannon's 25 years of dedicated service was noted by Sheriff Mike Chitwood and members of the Council. For Volusia County Fire, the appointment of Howard Bailey was confirmed unanimously as Volusia Fire Rescue Division Director/Fire Chief.
Another service agency's budget was also approved unanimously by the Council. Medical Examiner James Fulcher budget is $2,556,955 annually for a five-year term beginning 2019-2020. Fulcher said he still has two associate medical examiner positions to be filled. He told Council that it takes several months to get a Florida medical license. The M.E.'s recent history is adding to the delay. Despite that, Fulcher said he's working diligently to fill the positions. The budget request was approved unanimously.
During the meeting, Council members got an update on Hurricane Dorian from Emergency Director Jim Judge. They all had high praise for Judge and the way he handled the responsibility of coordinating with everyone. They did have one issue, however. Most cities were asking for ID from those wanting to get sandbags. Council members want to change that for the next time. Chair Ed Kelley suggested people not get rid of the bags immediately after a hurricane passes and to use them again.
Workmen comp claims for two former employees were signed off by Council. Julie Adkins, a former sheriff’s deputy, got $398,710. A former Volusia County Jail worker, Brian Scherer, was awarded $430,000.
