Residents urge investment in youth programs, public safety and historic signage during Orange City budget input session

The City of Orange City opened a citizen budget input session May 12, where Finance Director Devlin Moore outlined the schedule for the fiscal‑year 2026–27 budget and invited resident feedback on priorities.

Moore reviewed the calendar: department presentations over the next three council meetings, a budget overview presentation on July 14, a proposed millage‑rate setting on July 28, a budget workshop on Aug. 17 and public hearings on Sept. 9 (tentative rate and budget) and Sept. 23 (final hearing). He said staff will hold department presentations and urged public engagement in the process.

During the public comment period, Sharon Stafford, who gave a home address to the record, urged the council to dedicate funding for youth programs, saying, “They are our future, and I would like to see something in the budget for our youth.” Patrick Murphy, speaking as a resident and ad hoc committee member, urged the council to look for ways to fund both a new fire station and a new police station and said he would support paying for such facilities if needed.

Daryl Victor asked the council to consider modest budget support for historic signage to promote tourism and education and provided an update on his presentation to the Volusia County School Board proposing a name for a future Orange City school field; he encouraged other residents to submit naming ideas.

Moore also noted a public workshop on a proposed fire assessment fee program scheduled for June 9 at 5 p.m., where the city will discuss the program in more detail. Council did not take action on budget items at the meeting; the citizen input period is intended to inform upcoming department presentations and workshops.