Frank Bruno
Frank Bruno
Chair, County of Volusia
2011 VCOG Chair

Mary Swiderski, Executive Director
Mary Swiderski
Executive Director
2570 W. Intl Speedway Blvd.
Suite 100
Daytona Beach, FL 32114

386-226-0422
386-226-0428 fax
Sun Com: 380-0422

VOTING MEMBER
ORGANIZATIONS

City Of Daytona Beach
City Of Daytona Beach Shores
City of DeBary
City of Deland
City of Deltona
City of Edgewater
City of Holly Hill
City of Lake Helen
City of New Smyrna Beach
City of Oak Hill
City of Orange City
City of Ormond Beach
Town of Pierson
Town of Ponce Inlet
City of Port Orange
City of South Daytona
County of Volusia
Volusia County School Board

NON VOTING MEMBERS
EVAC
 Welcome to the Volusia Council of Governments

VCOG, Inc. Mission, Values, Goals and Focus

Mission Statement

Volusia Council of Governments (VCOG) is a non-for-profit organization of, by and for local governments, and is established to assist local governments in: planning for common needs, addressing issues of common concerns, cooperating for mutual benefit, and participating in intergovernmental coordination for improving the quality of life in Volusia County.

Values 

We believe we are to be the catalyst for building consensus from diverse viewpoints and maximizing regional unity. 

We believe our purpose is to strengthen both the individual and collective power of local governments, and help them capitalize on regional opportunities, eliminate unnecessary duplication and make joint decisions.  

We enable local governments to do together what they are not individually empowered to do -- that is, to work in concert on issues and problems which originate outside their boundaries or which extend over many separate jurisdictions.  

We recognize local governments, which are closest to the people, should exercise the basic initiative and leadership and have the primary responsibility for dealing with those problems and needs which require action on an area wide or regional basis.   

We recognize that our members are best served by our ability to anticipate the consequences of dynamic change. We help local governments find innovative solutions to both existing and future challenges facing Volusia County, including exploring funding options.

We maintain the highest standards of professional integrity in providing competent, technically sound products and services. Honesty and impartiality are minimum standards for all our dealings with our members, the general public, other agencies, and each other.  

We believe in valuing our employees and we respect both individual excellence and dedicated teamwork. We support the principles of professional development, and fair and consistent personnel practices.

GOALD AND FOCUS 

1.      VCOG will be a leader in preserving home rule for member governments.

  1. Oppose legislation and/or constitution amendments that negatively affect local governments (i.e. TABOR)
  2. Oppose unfunded mandates (i.e. pension)

2.      VCOG will proactively inform the public on issues that affect local government.

  1. Promote positive image of local government by addressing, through media and website, current misconceptions
  2. Promote public awareness regarding services local government performs and supplies to citizens
            i.     Keeping media updated on proactive and educational message
  3. Inform the public on TABOR “Smart Caps” facts
            i.     Get the message out on “KeepItlocalFlorida.org”
  4. Promote public understanding of how tax dollars are spent and the effect of unfunded mandates

3.      VCOG will promote collaboration and communication among local governments and organizations.

  1. Provide a forum for discussion and sharing of information among the cities of Volusia County
  2. Work with regional planning groups so Volusia’s vision is included in long term regional planning
  3. Continue pursuit of uniform building codes
  4. Continue communication among utility departments on water issues

4.    VCOG will promote ideas that encourage local government to be more efficient and cost effective.

  1. Promote consolidation of dispatch services into a county run system
  2. Promote the elimination of enclaves by identifying them and developing strategies for annexation

5.   VCOG will work to defend and protect the environment while supporting sustainable communities.

  1. Promote water management consistency for all regions
  2. Promote fiscally responsible and practical environmental legislation
  3. Promote legislation and regulations that simplify sustainable development and redevelopment
  4.  Promote sustainable practices by local government and citizens

6.   VCOG will work to educate those interested in future leadership roles.

  1. Support Volusia League of Cities in its training of government board and committee members, as well as, existing and newly elected officials
  2. Work with chambers, schools, citizen academies, civic and local leadership groups to encourage future leaders

7.      VCOG will work to expand economic growth for Volusia communities.

  1. Work with all economic development groups
  2. Encourage collaboration among local governments

8.      VCOG will work on improving the quality of life within Volusia.

  1. Seek ways to support and strengthen social services available within our county
    i.     Work with the Substance Abuse Task Force in seeking regulation of pain clinics
    ii.    Educate public on programs for the disposal of prescription drugs and sharps
  2. Promote healthy life style choices

 

 

 
 
 










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