JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville’s Finance Committee is adding back some funding for the Meals on Wheels program. In its final budget hearing, the committee moved forward with $1.7 million for the program after pushback against proposed cuts to Mayor Donna Deegan’s initial budget request.
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The compromise comes after weeks of debate with the mayor’s administration asking for a $2.1 million allocation for senior services to address food insecurity among Jacksonville’s elderly population. Before the final hearing concluded, the committee had approved $603,000 for the program.
“We can just keep it simple. I move $1.1 million from the council strategic initiatives to fund Meals on Wheels. In addition to what we have already funded,” Council President Kevin Carrico proposed during the final budget meeting.
Carrico said the figure is a compromise with the Mayor’s administration. It brings the total up to $1.7 million.
At-Large Group 4 Council Member Matt Carlucci had previously spoken out against the proposed cut. He shared his support to the additional dollars going back to the program.
“That’s a good compromise,” Carlucci told the committee. “I appreciate that. I appreciate your support of that.”
District 14 Council Member Rahman Johnson emphasized the program’s broader impact, saying, “It’s not just giving food. This is a wellness check.”
Some council members expressed reservations about the long-term financial implications of the funding. At-Large Group 2 Council Member Ron Salem cautioned about future budget implications.
“If you don’t think this becomes the baseline, I don’t think you understand how this government works,” Salem said. “This now is the baseline going forward. There will be increases based on this I would bet you in future budgets.”
The Finance Committee’s amended version of the $2 billion budget will advance to the full City Council for consideration. The council must approve the final budget by October 1, the start of the new fiscal year.