At a May 3 budget workshop, Deltona finance and utilities staff told the City Commission they will show a $44 million expansion for the Fisher wastewater treatment plant in next year’s budget so the project can qualify for a $22 million grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

Finance Director John McKinney said the $44 million figure must appear in the budget because construction grants are reimbursable: “We pay the $44,000,000, and we get reimbursed the $22,000,000,” he said, explaining the city must show the full project cost to receive the 50% grant.

The plan the city described includes advanced wastewater treatment work at Fisher, design and permitting, and related improvements at the Eastern Water Reclamation Plant. Jim Parrish, Deputy Utility Director, told commissioners the advanced treatment process planned for Fisher is the same treatment used at the Eastern facility and should reduce the seasonal odor complaints residents report: “The particular type of plant that is being explored for the advanced waste treatment … should take care of those odor issues,” Parrish said.

Staff said the DEP grant covers half of the project’s construction cost; if additional funding is needed the city would consider State Revolving Fund (SRF) loans or other debt issuance. McKinney said rate consultants are already including the project in the upcoming water/wastewater rate study; the consultant’s recommendations are expected in the July timeframe and will inform whether rate changes or debt will finance the city’s share.

Commissioners asked about moving the plant off its current site. Staff and the engineer of record have discussed relocating Fisher to the larger Alexander Avenue (RIB) site to increase distance from nearby homes, subject to DEP permitting and other approvals. McKinney cautioned the relocation is not final and would require permitting and further study.

What happens next: staff will provide the rate consultant the full project list and the commission will review consultant findings this summer. If the commission approves the project and the grant award is finalized, the city will show the full $44 million project cost in the FY2026 budget and pursue reimbursement from DEP.

Sources: Deltona Finance Department and Utilities Department presentation at the May 3, 2025 Deltona City Commission budget workshop.