Daytona Beach City Auditor Abinet Belachew is stepping down after less than a year in the role.
Belachew submitted his formal resignation Tuesday to Mayor Derrick L. Henry and members of the City Commission.
Belachew, who was appointed in September 2025, said his resignation will be effective Oct. 15, 2026 — just one year after taking the post. He brought more than two decades of experience in financial management, auditing and oversight across federal, state, county and city governments to the role.
“It has been a privilege and an honor to serve the beautiful City of Daytona Beach and its residents,” Belachew wrote in his resignation letter.
Belachew’s resignation comes as the city faces a state investigation and mounting scrutiny over hundreds of thousands of dollars in questionable spending.
In December 2025, Florida’s Joint Legislative Auditing Committee voted unanimously to investigate the city following reports of P-card misuse, excess building permit revenue and questionable vehicle purchases.
Months later, in March 2026, an internal audit of the Daytona Beach Fire Department revealed more than $500,000 in P-card charges for vehicle repairs and fuel — in violation of city rules — along with 14 fire department employees driving take-home vehicles with no mileage logs, more than $50,000 spent at local fast food restaurants by fire leadership, and hundreds of purchases with missing receipts.
Despite his brief tenure, Belachew pointed to several accomplishments, including establishing a professional audit framework, implementing a risk-based audit plan and conducting audits of significant city operations and expenditures.
“I am proud of the progress made during my tenure,” he wrote.
Belachew also credited City Manager Deric Feacher, department directors and city staff for their cooperation throughout his time in the role. He specifically acknowledged Daytona Beach residents and members of the media for their interest in transparent, accountable local government.
He closed his letter with a call for city leaders to preserve the integrity of the auditor’s office.
“I hope that the City will continue to support a strong, independent, and professional City Auditor function as an important component of good governance and public accountability,” Belachew wrote.
Belachew said he is committed to ensuring a smooth transition before his departure, including documenting ongoing audit work to maintain continuity within the office.