PUBLIC SAFETY Enhancements to the Police Officers’ and Firefighters’ Pension Plan Personnel expenditures accounted for 31.8% of the city’s total budget and 54.3% of the General Fund, reflecting the city’s continued investment in its workforce. The adopted budget included a 3% salary increase effective October 2025 and an additional 2% increase effective April 2026 for eligible employees, along with the establishment of a minimum living wage of $35,360 annually, or $17 per hour, for entry-level positions. To support recruitment and retention of sworn public safety personnel, the city approved a 3% increase effective October 2025 and an additional 4% increase in April 2026, as well as enhancements to the Police Officers’ More than 100 people received assistance during the Daytona Beach Drug Abuse Response Team’s (DART) Streetwalk along the Ridgewood Avenue corridor, which focused on addressing substance abuse and mental health needs. Coordinated by Community Paramedicine Officer Travis Anderson, the outreach coincided with a resource fair at 316 North St. that provided health screenings, recovery services, basic necessities and mental health support, with representatives from more than 15 community partners canvassing the area from Beville Road to Mason Avenue, including the Daytona Beach Fire and Police departments, SMA Healthcare, Halifax Health, the Volusia-Flagler Homeless Coalition and several local recovery and health organizations. and Firefighters’ Pension Plan, including a higher maximum pension benefit and an extension of the Deferred Retirement Option Program to eight years. These actions reinforced the city’s commitment to competitive compensation and its reputation as an employer of choice. DART Streetwalk
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