DeLand, FL - Volusia County council members confirm the appointments of JoAnne Drury as Accounting Director and Jeaniene Jennings as Business Services Director during today's (December 10) meeting. They also accepted the resignation tendered by long-time County Attorney Dan Eckert, effective January 31, 2020.
Council members also gave their evaluations of County Manager George Recktenwald's service since he became the permanent manager earlier this year. All Council members gave glowing praise for Recktenwald's efforts.
A three-year collective bargaining agreement for EMTs, paramedics, and sergeants, covering fiscal years 2019 through 2022 was given approval. Human Resources Director Tom Motes said the three-year agreement is "a nice achievement."
Approval was given for an agreement with First Step Shelter to provide meal and laundry services through the Volusia County Jail. County Manager George Recktenwald said that the provision agreement will be short-term with residents of the Shelter eventually taking over kitchen and laundry duties. The grand opening of the shelter is scheduled for tomorrow. Volusia County Council Chair Ed Kelley will be one of the featured speakers.
A Voluntary Collection Agreement between Volusia County and Airbnb, Inc. was given the approval to go forward by the County Council. The agreement backdated to February 1, 2019, states that Airbnb will collect and remit to the county tourist and convention development taxes on all online transactions occurring on its platform. Revenue Division Director Jason Baumgardner said they know that the agreement will bring in more revenue but don't know how much. He also reminds residents that this does not absolve individual property owners that are using other platforms for short-term rentals of their properties. They still need to register with the County and report any transactions.
