VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – Four city officials in Volusia County have resigned, all in reaction to a new state requirement to disclose more of their financial information. It’s leading to open seats on city councils and commissions in many communities across the state.
Two council members in Orange City announced their resignation letters right before the New Year. The deadline to resign was Jan. 1. So far, four resignations have been announced in Volusia County.
“Everything we own over $1,000 is now available for the general public. Sorry, the $10,000 I made a year as a council member just wasn’t worth it,” said Bill O’Connor.
O’Connor, Orange City’s now former vice mayor and council member, joined Casandra Jones and two Daytona Beach Shores commissioners in resigning.
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“If that was there seven years ago, I would not have gotten into politics, but this is something they threw on all of a sudden,” said O’Connor.
The Florida Commission on Ethics is now requiring the form this year citing hopes of increasing public trust.
It requires the filer to disclose any net worth and holdings more than $1,000.
The governor, cabinet members, and county elected officials have been required to fill it out, but these city leaders said they don’t have as many protections and fear they could be targeted by criminals.
“This is my hometown, I know these people and they know me, they know what I have and what I don’t have. They don’t need to know I have a watch that costs $1,200. They just don’t need to know that,” said O’Connor.
Now with two decision-maker positions open, Orange City City Manager Dale Arrington said she has some fear this could deter some people from applying.
“For a period of time, the city is going to have 30% of its representation done by people who are appointed rather than elected by citizens,” she said.
Arrington said they have 45 days to get applications and fill those positions and the process will start at the next city council meeting next week.
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