- February 5, 2025
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A report from the audit for the fiscal year ending in September 2017 shows that this is the second consecutive year that the city of Port Orange has had no material weaknesses or significant deficiencies.
According to the report, presented during the Tuesday, April 3, city council meeting, the balance in the general fund amounted to $17,308,149. During the year, ending on Sept. 30, 2017, the city's total debt decreased by $3,978,179 and recovering property values led to an increase of 7.0% in taxable value.
"I remember seeing some tough days," Councilman Chase Tramont said. "It's good to see where we're at. I like that we're in a good position. I think that we're doing good on our liabilities."
The city's unemployment rate also saw a decrease of .5% from the prior year resulting in an annual average unemployment rate of 3.8% by Sept. 30, 2017.
However, because general funds were used to clear debris and repair damage from Hurricane Matthew and Hurricane Irma, there has been additional pressure on city resources.
"Things are certainly much better," Councilman Bob Ford said. "Our fund balance is decent. I'd rather our cash balance to be a little better, but nature has intervened."
A major capital asset event included the land transactions that totaled $1,289,689, including the donation of 2.8 acres of land in the Eastport Business Center Community Development Area as well as the sale of land in the Port Orange Business Park.
In a final section of the report, city management agreed to increase the year-end review procedures to have expenditures recorded and make sure budgetary authority is requested and approved within a 60 day period.
"Two years in a row with no material weaknesses identified ... I don't know if that that's something that's occurred in many many years," Vice Mayor Scott Stiltner said. "We're on our way to a trend."
