During a recent government meeting, officials from DeBary discussed pressing issues regarding fire services and urban growth in the region. A key point raised was the city's millage rate, which is significantly lower than that of neighboring cities in Volusia County. This discrepancy has prompted discussions about enhancing fire services to meet standards set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Insurance Services Office (ISO).

City representatives noted that DeBary has not met the required standards for fire services over the past five to six years. The NFPA outlines specific criteria for the number of firefighters needed, while the ISO evaluates response times and the distance of fire engines from emergency calls. The city acknowledged the urgent need to improve these services to align with the established ratings.

In terms of growth, DeBary has seen an increase of approximately 2,000 residents over the last four years, translating to an annual growth rate of about 2.7%. However, this growth pales in comparison to neighboring cities like DeLand and Orange City, which have experienced much faster growth rates of nearly 7% and 10% per year, respectively. This rapid expansion in surrounding areas has led to increased traffic on Highway 1792, with many drivers passing through DeBary rather than being residents of the city.

Officials emphasized that the traffic congestion observed is largely due to commuters from DeLand and Orange City, rather than a reflection of DeBary's own growth. Traffic studies indicate that 60-65% of vehicles on Highway 1792 are from outside the city.

Additionally, discussions included the need for improvements to the I-4 bridge, with city leaders advocating for accelerated funding and development timelines from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). The current schedule for these improvements extends to 2030-2035, which officials believe is too far in the future given the pressing needs of the community.