JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2013 The Jacksonville City Council passed Mayor Donna Deegan\u2019s roughly $2 billion budget Tuesday in an 18-1 vote, with Councilman Rory Diamond casting the only no vote. <\/p>\n
The approved budget also includes an amendment restoring $4.9 million to the affordable housing trust fund after weeks of public concern over the proposed cut.<\/p>\n
The budget dedicates about $1 billion to public safety, with more than $670 million going to the Jacksonville Sheriff\u2019s Office. That concentration of spending sparked debate among council members and residents, many of whom pushed back on the amount going to public safety compared to affordable housing.<\/p>\n
Council debates spending priorities<\/p>\n
Several speakers raised concerns that JSO and the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department were receiving the largest share of the city\u2019s budget \u2014 about half \u2014 while affordable housing received a fraction of that. Councilman Matt Carlucci, who introduced the amendment to restore the $4.9 million cut, said the move was about protecting working-class residents.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s an issue that a lot of people have wanted us to address in the past,\u201d Carlucci said. \u201cAnd it\u2019s only $4.9 million, but when the city passes those dollars locally, we make them stretch so much farther than state money or federal money. Because state money and federal money that comes through for that, there\u2019s so many strings attached that \u2014 not as much money goes toward the actual construction, as what it does with city money.\u201d<\/p>\n
Councilman Will Lahnen noted during discussion that the council has spent $100 million on affordable housing over the last several years.<\/p>\n
Following the vote, Carlucci released a statement emphasizing why he pushed to restore the funding:<\/p>\n
Tonight, the City Council restored $4.9 million for affordable housing that had been cut during the budget process. I worked hard to get it back because Jacksonville needs to invest its own dollars in building homes people can afford.<\/p>\n
Some council members point to state and federal housing funds as though they replace a local commitment. They do not. Those programs come with eligibility rules, reporting requirements and administrative costs, so not every dollar awarded goes directly toward construction. Locally controlled funding gives us more flexibility to help move housing projects forward.<\/p>\n
Over the years, Jacksonville has not made the sustained local investment in affordable housing that I believe we should. That matters when we seek additional support. A strong city commitment shows state, federal, private and philanthropic partners that we are willing to do our share. We should not assume outside funding will make up for what we choose not to invest ourselves.<\/p>\n
Local dollars may also attract additional [funds]. The Community Foundation has outlined a housing fund model designed to draw three private and philanthropic dollars for each city dollar. Whether this $4.9 million can participate in that model depends on the fund\u2019s terms, but the opportunity to bring other dollars alongside our own is one more reason tonight\u2019s vote matters.<\/p>\n
I\u2019m pleased we restored the funding. Now the city needs to put it to work producing affordable homes.<\/p>\n
Councilman Carlucci<\/p>\n
Mayor Deegan is also expected to speak about the vote. We will update this story with her remarks.<\/p>\n
Amendment adds down payment focus<\/p>\n
The affordable housing amendment passed with an additional amendment from Councilman Ron Salem directing the restored funds specifically toward down payment assistance. Councilman Reggie Gaffney Jr. had sought to include a contingency for utility assistance, but Councilman Nick Howland said that addition would require committee review. Howland suggested the utility assistance item be brought back after the budget as separate legislation.<\/p>\n
Samantha Series, a Jacksonville resident, voiced her frustration during public comment, saying the council should prioritize affordable housing over law enforcement spending.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe should restore the budget for affordable housing,\u201d She said. \u201cIf you want to take $4.9 million out, JSO is right there. They have a lot of money in this city. So, if you\u2019re so keen on taking some money out of the budget, why don\u2019t you take it from the biggest piece of the pie, not a sliver.\u201d<\/p>\n
Property tax overhaul looms after budget passage<\/p>\n
The council also addressed Amendment 3, a statewide property tax overhaul that voters will decide on in November. Councilman Salem expressed concern that Jacksonville is not prepared if the measure passes. The city currently holds about two months of reserves in the event of passage. The issue is expected to resurface after Election Day.<\/p>\n
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