JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan presented a $2 billion balanced budget proposal to the city council, pointing to significant investments that would put plans in motion to move past the “city of renderings” nickname.
“Where we once were a city of renderings and potential, we are now a city of construction and achievement,” Deegan said in her presentation to the city council.
The budget allocates $87 million for downtown riverfront parks development and improvements. The mayor said the park projects are fully funded in part due to the Community Benefits Agreement in the Stadium of the Future deal.
Deegan emphasized the city’s transition from planning to action during her presentation.
“We have a great plan and we should move forward with it,” Deegan said.
The proposed budget includes $26 million for park improvements citywide. Additionally, she earmarked $500,000 for pool maintenance and just under $2 million for lifeguard staffing.
“If we can’t figure out how to keep the pools open, it’s easy to imagine the public wouldn’t have much trust in us to do the big things,” Deegan said.
City Council President Kevin Carrico expressed encouragement for the balanced budget proposal, which doesn’t rely on reserve funds. Now, the Finance Committee will take a look at the full plan and offer its adjustments.
READ:Mayor’s full budget address|Budget highlights|Full budget proposal|Full CIP proposal
“As we go forward we get to dive in and look at the details,” Carrico said. “Look at it line by line and see if there are other things or other priorities that the council wants to fund. Or things that maybe don’t align with us that we can switch them out or make changes. That’s what the budget process is for.”
The Finance Committee will begin reviewing the budget on August 7, marking the start of a detailed examination process. The City Council must approve a final budget by the end of September.
