It may be a new year, but some old business, such as the fluoridation of the city’s water supply, will remain on the Ormond Beach City Commission’s table in 2013.

The issue, which was front and center in several commission meetings in the closing months of 2012, will resurface in 2013 during workshops and public forums.

The decision whether to continue fluoridating the city’s water supply, a practice which began in 1957, following the passing of a voter referendum, was set to be put back before voters in the form of a mailed ballot. But the commission voted down the ordinance Dec. 4, determining the $45,910 cost as too high.

“Where I’m hoping the discussion will go, is I’m hoping my fellow elected officials, on behalf of the citizens, can know what shows up in the truck,” City Commissioner Troy Kent said.

Kent, who was one of the officials responsible for bringing fluoride back to the forefront last September, said he wants to see the data sheets Harcros Chemicals, the city’s hydrofluorosilicic acid supplier, submits to NSF International, a nonprofit regulatory group.

Kent also says he’s more interested in a fact-finding mission than arguments for or against fluoride.

“What are you left with at the end of the day? Twenty opinions,” he said. “Let’s get away form the opinions.”

Kent had previously sent a letter seeking information about the specifics of the chemicals the city purchased, but didn’t receive a response from Harcros Chemicals or any the other manufacturers.

The commission, which is bound by law as a result the 1957 referendum to purchase and fluoridate the water supply, voted 4-1 Sept. 18, to approve the prices for the city’s water treatment chemical purchases.

Kent was the only commissioner who voted against the price-setting resolution.

Print PDF