For those who entertain a run for the City Council you may want to factor in what it is like to try and have a budget hearing on a totally failed Budget as presented by a sitting Mayor. The hearing on the upcoming budget began last night in City Hall Chambers. The meeting was stopped at 2:00 AM this morning to be resumed at 2:00 PM this afternoon. I have been watching if off and on and right now feel quite sorry for the sitting council because, the damn thing is still going on. :o I also extend my sympathies to the Council Auditor and his office who now have to filter through over 40 amendments as well as various other on floor changes to the budget. Wow!
I have to admit I watched all of it. Yea I know need to get a life. Agree that Mr. Sherman could not possibly be paid enough to deal with this crew. It was enlightening though to see how few really have a clue to what they are doing. Quite evident that Ms. Boyer must be drafted to run for mayor and that Mr. Redman and Mr Schellenberg are just WOW as in you have to be kidding me.
Apache, I honestly do not know how this mayor can face the council or the citizens of Jacksonville after the debacle of a budget he handed off to the council to resolve. The fact that he is running for office again in the face of such lackluster and frankly incompetent administration of this city and it's funding to me is galling. He has taken the position of no tax increase to the degree that he was willing to let this city fail in it's obligations to the citizens via everything from policing to libraries to pretend a no tax stance knowing the entire time that the proper actions would fall to the council. Now there is much said and done by council that I don't always agree with but having watched most of today's discourse, I can find no fault with what they have chosen to fund from keeping library hours, to mowing streets to open community centers, not to mention so many other very important services. I would not trade places with any of them right now. I think what this Mayor's incompetence has ended up creating is a very costly and unneeded mess. As it stand's even with a tax increase there are still things that have been cut and will go unfunded. I did see some good discussion and decision making today on council and that was a very pleasant surprise. Maybe we will crawl out of this hole this city is in but it darn well will have nothing to do with Alvin Brown taking us to another level.
The debate is now in it's 14th hour. The property tax increase is now at 12% down 2% from earlier today however it could go as high as 15%. Bill Guilliford says that he would be embarrassed to have anyone come through this city and see Hemming Plaza. The council approved $200,000.00 for maintenance of Hemming Park. Yes peep's, some on council are listening.
Budget was just approved moments ago. It is off to Alvin now who can veto any of it. Right now the 12% tax rate is what they are at.
^ actually he can't....he can not veto the tax increase.
got to admit, politically Mayor Brown did a very smart thing....he made a campaign pledge not to raise taxes, which unfortunately EVERY candidate except Audrey Moran also made....and it sure looks like he wants to keep his pledge.
So this year the Mayor first tried to back Council into a corner and make them swallow his pension plan instead of $60 million in devastating cuts....when that failed, he forced Council to be the one to raise taxes...and he can just sit back and say "I don't like it, but I'm not allowed to veto it".
Agree, tufsu1. On the surface it was a pretty clever move by Brown. However, the original budget proposal was so stupid, slash and burn rather than thoughtful planning, it angered many people. In the end it's a toss-up whether he ends up a winner or loser.
Quote from: Apache on September 25, 2013, 09:41:33 PM
Mayor Brown is home enjoying dinner.
I was shaking Mayor Brown's hand yesterday at JIA at 6am.
I find it fascinating that the Sheriff is allowed to get away with wasting so much money.
I hope the Mayor gives back the $181,000 dollars to the Meals on wheels program! Stupid City Council!
Quote from: Stephen on September 26, 2013, 10:53:01 AM
I find it fascinating that the Sheriff is allowed to get away with wasting so much money.
He was elected fair and square. We get exactly the government we deserve.
Will any of the urban infill projects get funded? Or will it be another year of the same ol same ol for dowtown?
Quote from: tufsu1 on September 26, 2013, 07:50:23 AM
^ actually he can't....he can not veto the tax increase.
got to admit, politically Mayor Brown did a very smart thing....he made a campaign pledge not to raise taxes, which unfortunately EVERY candidate except Audrey Moran also made....and it sure looks like he wants to keep his pledge.
So this year the Mayor first tried to back Council into a corner and make them swallow his pension plan instead of $60 million in devastating cuts....when that failed, he forced Council to be the one to raise taxes...and he can just sit back and say "I don't like it, but I'm not allowed to veto it".
He can veto changes to the budget, not the tax increase. Hope that clarifies the situation.
Quote from: Stephen on September 26, 2013, 10:53:01 AM
I find it fascinating that the Sheriff is allowed to get away with wasting so much money.
Stephen, please share the documentation that shows this waste. Thanks much.
Mixed information coming out about the tax increase amount. Some outlets are saying 12% and others 14%. I watched the proceeding last night and when the budget was passed the number was given as 12%.
Good overview of the budget meeting from the Daily Record.
http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=540623 (click link for full article)
QuoteIt wasn't easy – and sometimes it wasn't pretty – but the City Council finally approved a budget Wednesday.
The result: A property tax rate increase of about 14 percent for most Duval County residents, with the additional revenue applied mostly toward maintaining levels in areas such as public safety and quality-of-life services.
For 80 hours over several weeks, they said no to cuts, then restored many of them.
They debated for more than 12 hours the past two days, including until 2 a.m. Wednesday.
In the end, council President Bill Gulliford called it a "miserable" experience.
He said after the meeting that next year will be different. He will soon form a budget review committee led by council Vice President Clay Yarborough to review the work the council did while also diving into a comprehensive review of each department and division to better prepare the budget.
Despite the dozens of hours put in by the Finance Committee, Gulliford said the budget process tends to be "pretty shallow" and that this year much of the time was spent remedying Mayor Alvin Brown's "poor, crummy" budget.
He and others have been critical of Brown's proposal that had about $65 million in service and program reductions and millions more in "extraordinary lapses," or unidentified cuts, that took up the committee's time.
"Next year we're going to be better prepared," he said.
The council established an 11.44 millage rate for Jacksonville, an 8.15 rate for the Beaches and a 9.57 rate for Baldwin. It left about $4 million of potential revenue on the table before lowering it to those levels.
For a homesteaded house in Jacksonville valued at $150,000 and a taxable value of $100,000, owners will pay $1,144 – an increase of $140 per year.
On Wednesday evening, the council members continued to add back to the reductions. They almost unanimously voted to create a fund of nearly $2 million to combat blight and maintain abandoned properties.
Likewise, they unanimously approved $200,000 in seed money for Hemming Plaza programming and maintenance. Author Denise Lee said it would clean up the "front door" to City Hall and "side door" to restaurants and other surrounding establishments.
Council further restored amenities and children's programs by keeping almost $675,000 for pool hours and the Summer Night Lights program and $660,000 in early literacy funding.
All were on the heels of Tuesday votes to restore $450,000 to keep the Main Library open Saturdays, one of the closer and more contentious votes. And, it kept the Bob Hayes Track Meet funded at $85,000, which half a dozen people pushed for in public comment. Community centers also will stay open for the price of $240,000.
Yet, despite all the restorations that meant more spending, council members resisted temptation to lower the millage rate more than $20 million.
A proposal to allow the Police and Fire Pension Fund to use the investment policy of the state system and another to transfer the Water Street Parking Garage to the fund were denied. The change would have netted about $11 million, while the garage transfer would have provided more than $9 million.
Council member Stephen Joost lauded both concepts after the meeting, but said they were ones that ultimately couldn't be decided in haste. As for the overall budget, he said the process went well in that essential services remained funded, but there were sacrifices.
"I didn't get everything I wanted in this budget, but the other 18 people didn't either," he said.
From the Times Union.
http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2013-09-25/story/council-approves-hike-property-tax-rates
QuoteBy David Bauerlein
Jacksonville property owners will face higher tax bills this year as part of a budget that staves off wrenching cuts in police, fire, library, parks and other city services.
The City Council met in a marathon session that started Tuesday night and ran through Wednesday night with a 12-hour break in between for members to get some sleep as they plowed through dozens of proposed budget amendments.
Mayor Alvin Brown proposed a budget in July that would have made $61 million in service cuts while avoiding a tax rate increase.
The City Council took a different path by raising more tax revenue with a millage rate of 11.4419 per $1,000 of taxable property value for a $1.05 billion budget. The current tax rate is 10.0353 per $1,000.
Under the higher rate, the owner of a $150,000 home with a $50,000 homestead exemption would pay a city tax bill of $1,144, an increase of $140 over the current rate, a 14 percent hike.
Council approved the higher tax rate on a 16-2 vote. Council members Matt Schellenberg and Don Redman opposed it.
Schellenberg sought to curb the increase in the tax rate by proposing amendments that would have given the city Police and Fire Pension Fund more leeway in how it makes investments to pay for retiree benefits.
Schellenberg said that would have enabled the fund to get a 7.4 percent return on its investments rather than 7 percent, and as a result of higher investment income, the city's contribution to support the fund would have gone down by $11 million.
"Whatever we can do to help the citizens and their tax burden, we should do," Schellenberg said.
But other council members said there was not nearly enough information to make a decision without understanding the risks of changing the investment policies and what would happen if the fund couldn't lock in the 7.4 percent return.
"I just want to know what's in the Kool-Aid that some of you are drinking," City Council President Bill Gulliford said.
Gulliford has repeatedly said the city should give a pension reform task force time to develop recommendations that will be ready in January, not "kick the can down the road" with short-term relief.
Schellenberg also proposed transferring the city-owned Water Street Garage to the fund as a way to lower the city's annual payment to the fund. But council members said that idea likewise was arriving too late in the budget process for vetting.
"We're past the 11th hour," Councilman John Crescimbeni said. "We're at the 12th hour."
Gulliford said after the meeting the council had no choice but to raise the tax rate in order to avert cutting police officers, closing fire stations and shuttering library branches.
"Some of the emails I've gotten say don't raise my taxes but they'd also be the first ones to say, 'That police officer didn't respond to my house; why didn't he?' Well, we would have had to cut 300 police officers to maintain the current tax rate."
He said it basically maintained city services for the budget starting Oct. 1.
"I really worry about next year if we don't solve this police and fire pension fund," he said. "Next year, we'll have an even bigger hole."
David DeCamp, spokesman for Brown, said the mayor's pension plan, which the council rejected in July, would have saved $45 million in next year's budget. He said the mayor will review the budget and decide whether he will exercise his line-item veto authority.
David Bauerlein: (904) 359-4581
Read more at Jacksonville.com: http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2013-09-25/story/council-approves-hike-property-tax-rates#ixzz2g2AepfCO
so the vote was 16-2....who didn't show up (or at minimum, not vote)?
Ray Holt had been excused due to accident his young daughter has been involved in last weekend.
I believe Lee left early, before the vote.
No. Lee was there for final vote. A few stepped out for the final few amendments but all returned with exception of Holt.
Ah, thank's for the correction. I looked at the vote board toward the end and saw her missing.
The budget was given to the mayor's office today. Interestingly, the City Council has already scheduled a meeting for tomorrow for the expressed purpose to overridding any veto the mayor may attempt to their budget. I think this is a pretty clear indicator of the reality that this mayor is pretty much an empty suit in the eyes of the council.
Mayor Brown I voted for you good luck with what the city council decided when it came to the budget. I hope your Veto pen is in working order. ;)
And yes I voted for Mayor Brown also and doubt I will do that again. Please run Ms. Boyer.
Quote from: edjax on September 26, 2013, 06:35:34 PM
And yes I voted for Mayor Brown also and doubt I will do that again. Please run Ms. Boyer.
I would love it if she did. I spoke to her about it, but she panned the idea. I can't say that I blame her but anyone watching her in action, whether they agree with the positions she takes or not, cannot miss the fact that this is one sharp lady, always aware and thinking. Her decision making is based in factual research matched with common sense. She readily picks up on facts and discrepancies that other simply miss. I think she would make a great mayor but at the same time I can understand her not wanting to pick up the pieces in that office.
Actually, I am not easily smitten. I have been listening and watching her actions since she took office and can honestly say having watched city officials for years she is one of the best and brightest. She has had views that differ from my own on some issues, but the fact that her take on the issue was thought through and measured with due diligence has me respecting her opinion even when I disagree. She would make a great mayor IMO. I really wish she would consider a run for the office. Alvin has never been up to the task and I worry that without someone like Lori in the mix for mayor would could end up repeating old mistakes. I just want better for the city.
Mayor Brown Four more Years! Four more years! Four more Years!
I agree with Diane. I trust Lori Boyer
You just have the feeling she is the person to move Jax to the next level. Unlike our current mayor. She seems to get it. Looks at the big picture. I would go out of my way to support her.
Just about anyone would be better than our current Mayor. He just seems to be completely inept at fulfilling the job he was elected to do. I'd rather have someone that I have huge ideological differences with, but was a good manager and was willing to make the tough decisions. We had two decent candidates in the primary, but they ripped each other apart in the debates and allowed Hogan and Brown to be the top two in the primary.
Quote from: urbaknight on September 26, 2013, 11:24:16 AM
Will any of the urban infill projects get funded? Or will it be another year of the same ol same ol for dowtown?
Did the $4,000,000 plus taken by OED from DIA prior to the new CEO Aundra Wallace survive the budget? That will decide the picking and choosing of the infill projects that will get funded. Anyone.
I don't believe the entire amount survived but it still got some decent funding.
How much? Anyone.
Was anything added to help the River?
Noone, I will see if I can find out. There were so many numbers floating around. Two million six hundred thousand is floating in my brain but don't hold me to that number. There were just too many to remember.
Stephen, I am not sure about the our budget, but I know we did get some state funding recently.
Noone, what was discussed on the floor had to do with an amendment which cut $70,000 from the Downtown Investment Authority budget, but that was less than the $200,000 cut originally proposed. The difference of $130,000 will go toward a downtown master plan study. So that would have been the only change to the amount given to DIA. We can check the exact amount after this thing goes through Alvin Brown's office.
Stephen, there was no additional funding added to the budget for the river during this two day budget finalization meeting.
Here is the list of changes (amendments) that were discussed during this two day meeting of the council to set the budget for those who are interested.
Quote
2013-464: 2013-2014 Budget Floor Amendments
(Amendments Received Prior to 9/23 @ 5:00 p.m.)
9/24/2013 4:43 PM
Page 1
#
Council
Member/No.
BF
Change
CIP
Change
Amount
Subject
Change
Account From
Account To
1
Boyer #3
$550,000
No Fiscal Impact
- Move prior year CIP appropriation in the
amount of $550,000 from the Ed Ball CIP Project to a new ADA
compliance project detail for a countywide sidewalk audit.
2
Boyer #1
$450,000
Municipal Code
Appropriate $450,000.00 from the City's Vacant and Foreclosed Property
Registry (HNOD1NFR/36602) to Municipal Code Compliance for code
enforcement and mitigation related to blighted and deteriorating foreclosed
or abandoned properties and reducing the transfer from Special Council
Contingency to Municipal Code Compliance by $250,000.00 and
increasing the budget for Municipal Code Compliance by $200,000.00
(funding 4 currently approved unfunded positions and remainder for
contract services for property maintenance).
Foreclosed
Property
Registry
Neighborhoods/
MCCD
3
Yarborough #1
$0
Comprehensive
Public Works
Alternative
Restoration Plan
Request the total dollars approved - $1,907,051 - to be used as
requested by Jim Robinson in meeting #7 Public Works
Department Presentation. Adds a net total increase of an
additional 6 positions - Net Three in Public Works General Fund,
One in Stormwater Services, & Two in Solid Waste.
Public Works
General Fund,
Stormwater
Services, & Solid
Waste Disposal
4
Yarborough #2
yes
$145,325
Comprehensive
Public Works
Alternative
Restoration Plan
IF Yarborough #1 is approved - Pay-Go dollars in
Stormwater Capital Projects would be reduced by $145,325
from $7,588,348 to $7,443,023 (reduces project PW0072-
01- Drainage System Rehabilitation).
Public Works
Stormwater
Capital Projects
Public Works
Stormwater
Services
5
Redman #2
$582,464
Jacksonville
Human Rights
Commission
Defund the Budget for the Human Rights Commission by
removing $582,464 from its budget and adding the dollars back to
the Special Council Contingency; Eliminates 9 positions.
Jacksonville
Human Rights
Commission
Special Council
Contingency
6
Anderson #2
$338,880
Copy Center
Move to restore $338,880 above the line for the Copy Center.
No
impact on Special Council Contingency.
Below the line
Procurement
7
Clark #2
Yes
Yes
Changing
Banking Fund
amount in
budget to
reflect addnl
$7.7 million
Widen Kernan
Blvd. between 1st
Coast Tech
Parkway and JTB
The Amendment Changes the Banking Fund amount in the
budget to reflect the additional $7 million borrowed. There is
currently $4,300,000 in a project account for the widening of
Kernan Blvd. The total project cost is $12,000,000 with the
remainder coming from Banking Fund borrowing. This amendment
would give Treasury the authorization to borrow up to $7.7 million;
however, there is no impact to Special Council Contingency as the
funds will not be borrowed in FY 13/14.
Banking Fund
Public Works
8
Boyer #2
$2,925,205
Loblolly
Amend the budget to appropriate funding for first year projects to
include 2,925,205 of first year Parks and Recreation projects, all
utilizing the Loblolly Mitigation Fund as the source of funds.
Loblolly
Parks and Rec
2013-464: 2013-2014 Budget Floor Amendments
(Amendments Received Prior to 9/23 @ 5:00 p.m.)
9/24/2013 4:43 PM
Page 2
#
Council
Member/No.
BF
Change
CIP
Change
Amount
Subject
Change
Account From
Account To
9
Finance
Committee #1
$204,496
DIA
Transfer (thereby defunding) $204,496 from the DIA budget to
Special Council Contingency.
DIA
Special Council
Contingency
10
Clark #1
Yes
Yes
Changing Banking
Fund amount in
budget to reflect
addnl $1 million /
Debt Service
$17,000
Public Works -
Reclaimed Water
at Patton Park
This budget amendment is the amount for the debt service for the
2013-2014 FY. Authorizing $1,000,000 of borrowing from the
Banking Fund for the installation of "purple pipe" (reclaimed water
irrigation) at Patton Park. The FY 13/14 impact will be a transfer of
$17,000 from Special Council Contingency.
Banking Fund/
$17,000 Special
Council
Contingency
Banking Fund /
Public Works
11
Bishop #1
yes
$15,740
Capital Building
Maintenance
This budget amendment is to fund $15,740 for the Debt Service
for the 2013-2014 fiscal year for the purpose of borrowing of
$3,000,000 from the banking fund for funding of high priority items
on the Capital Building Maintenance list of the Public Works
Department. The FY 13/14 impact will be a transfer of $17,00
from Special Council Contingency.
Banking Fund/
$15,740 Special
Council
Contingency
Public Works
12
Gaffney, Bishop,
Holt, Joost,
Crescimbeni,
Daniels #1
$2,500,000
Shands Hospital
Transfer from Council Contingency to Shands Hospital.
Special Council
Contingency
Shands
13
Lumb
Crescimbeni
Brown #1
$880,121
Jacksonville
Journey
Proposes to fund all programs that had Journey Funding
Oversight in FY 2012/13 at the FY 2013/14 Mayor's proposed
levels with two exceptions. The Juvenile Assessment Center and
the Ex-Offender Re-Entry Portal (JREC) will remain funded at the
Finance Committee agreed upon levels ($384,767 and $545,197,
respectively). Additionally, JCC would still maintain direct
oversight of the Early Literacy, TEAM UP and Summer Camp
programs. Neighborhood Code Compliance Division would still
maintain direct oversight of the abatement funding. The Sheriff
would still maintain direct oversight of the Juvenile Assessment
Center and the Ex-Offender Re-entry Portal (JREC). This
amendment will also restore 30,000 part time hours for the
Mayor's Summer Jobs Program.
Special Council
Contingency
Jax Journey
14
Brown, Jones
#4
$118,218
Municipal Code
Restores funding for 3 positions in MCCD ($39,406/per position).
Special Council
Contingency
Neighborhoods/
MCCD
15
Clark #3
$30,000
Parks & Rec
Invoking Section 126.107(g),
Ordinance Code
, to waive
competitive solicitation and bidding for contract with Vermont
Systems Recreation and Parks Software to provide recreational
asset tracking software.
Special Council
Contingency
ITD/Parks
Maintenance
16
Gulliford #1
$200,000
Mayport CRA
Transfer from Council Contingency to OED for purpose of
instituting Mayport's CRA.
Special Council
Contingency
OED
2013-464: 2013-2014 Budget Floor Amendments
(Amendments Received Prior to 9/23 @ 5:00 p.m.)
9/24/2013 4:43 PM
Page 3
#
Council
Member/No.
BF
Change
CIP
Change
Amount
Subject
Change
Account From
Account To
17
Brown #7
Provide that monies appropriated to the MLK breakfast be made
available to be used for the MLK parade and other MLK events.
18
Jones #5
$21,480
Parks & Rec
Transfer $21,480 to restore the limited swim hours to Butler Pool.
Special Council
Contingency
Parks and Rec
19
Brown #1
$84,875
Bob Hayes Track
Meet
Transfer from Council Contingency for Bob Hayes Track
Meet.
Special Council
Contingency
Office of
Economic
Development
20
Bishop #2
$449,641
Main Library
Transfer $449,641 from Special Council Contingency for the
purpose of restoring 8 hours operating time for each Saturday for
the Main Library to the JPL; Restores 8 positions.
Special Council
Contingency
JPL
21
Jones #3
$280,170
Sr. Citizens
Restore funding for two hot meals per week.
Special Council
Contingency
Special Services
22
Carter #1
$85,983
Julian Barrs -
Parks & Rec
Transfer $85,983 from Special Council Contingency to restore
Julian Barrs as an afterschool drop site; Adds 2600 additional part-
time hours.
Special Council
Contingency
Parks and Rec
23
Anderson #1
$399,023
LISC - Jax
Journey
Restore funding to LISC through Jax Journey.
Special Council
Contingency
Jax Journey
24
Jones #1
$202,019
Sr. Citizen
Centers
Restore Funding for three senior citizens centers: Louis Dinah,
Hammond and Longbranch.
Special Council
Contingency
Special Services
25
Brown #5
$249,513
Special Services
Restoration of two positions - Chief of Senior Services ($100,250
Salaries/Benefits) & Chief of Behavior & Human Services
($149,263 Salaries/Benefits). (2 Positions)
Special Council
Contingency
Special Services
26
Jones, Redman
#2
$154,100
Edith Brown
(Woodstock)
Comm Center
Restore funding to Edith Brown (Woodstock) Community Center
and Windy Hill Comm Center; Restore 5200 Part time hours.
Special Council
Contingency
Parks and Rec
27
Gulliford #2
$25,000
Jax Beach July
4th Fireworks
Transfer from Council Contingency for the purpose of assisting
Jacksonville Beach with the 2014, 4th of July Fireworks Celebration.
This
funding should be placed in a non-departmental expense specifically
identified for this event.
Special Council
Contingency
Non-
Departmental
Expense
28
Brown #6
$254,821
Summer Night
Lights
Transfer $254,821 from Special Council Contingency for the
purpose of Summer Night Lights Program (4 Sites); (Note: If
funding for reduced pool hours totaling $500,000 is restored in a
separate amendment, the amount needed for Summer Night
Lights can be reduced by $80,000 to a total of $174,821).
Restores 6,500 part-time hours; if funding for reduced pool hours
is restored, only 3,200 part-time hours would need to be restored.
Special Council
Contingency
Parks and Rec
29
Holt #1
$630,000
Jax Children's
Comm
Transfer from Council Contingency to Jax Children's Commission
for Early Learning Center Coaching and Development; Restores
6 Positions.
Special Council
Contingency
Jax Children's
Comm
On another note regarding the mayor's line item veto power in the budget, there is a rumor that he is talking about striking out the $450K the council budgeted for the ferry. Would be a dumb move in my view but in any case, the council can override any line item veto of the mayor with a majority vote. Considering past history, there is a very good chance any veto coming from Alvin Brown will be negated by council.
I'm glad they saved the Library and the Senior Centers..Money for fireworks in Jacksonville Beach? Speaking of waste !
Quote from: Stephen on September 27, 2013, 03:01:52 PM
I'm glad they saved the Library and the Senior Centers..Money for fireworks in Jacksonville Beach? Speaking of waste !
That was discussed. As it turns out the local revenue created by those attending the fireworks displays exceeds the expense.
It's Friday, the day is almost over and Mayor Alvin Brown hasn't decided about the budget. Interesting. The budget must be a done deal by Oct 1st when the next fiscal year begins. Let's use our fingers to count...hmmmm that leaves us four more days (next Tuesday deadline). I wonder if Alvin is planning to hold his actions to the last minute in the hope that the council could not convene in time to override any of his veto's? Wouldn't that be something. The term "going over like a lead balloon comes to mind" and one heck of a way to further endear himself to a worn out council.
Quote
Quick Clicks
$1 billion city budget goes to mayor
Council passes budget, 14% tax hike
Last-minute budget winners, losers
Minority voice: Why councilman voted no
City budget approved
City council debate continues
"I have not made a decision on the budget," Brown said at midday Friday. "I am reviewing everything and, at the right time people will know."
The mayor cannot veto the budget bill, passed 16-2 after a two-day, 17-hour Council meeting, or the associated 14 percent property tax increase, but he can veto specific spending item.
Council moved its special meeting to consider overrides of any of his spending vetoes to 1 p.m. Monday. A simple majority of Council can override a mayoral veto.
The budget must be complete before the 2013-2014 fiscal year begins Oct. 1
http://www.news4jax.com/news/possible-budget-vetoes-overrides-postponed/-/475880/22157114/-/iujg9m/-/index.html
From the looks of it the mayor will not try and veto anything in the budget the council has approved.
(http://i.imgur.com/AxzZsuQ.jpg)
Quote
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -
Monday afternoon's special City Council meeting to consider any vetoes of budget items by Mayor Alvin Brown is canceled, fueling speculation that the mayor will not challenge any of the spending items passed last week.
The council had scheduled a 1 p.m. meeting to take override votes on any items vetoed from the city's $1 billion budget, but council President Bill Gulliford said late Monday morning the meeting would not be needed.
Councilman Greg Anderson, head of the Finance Committee, said he was, "Not surprised, but relieved."
"This was very difficult budget for everyone, and the Council was ready to take action," Anderson said on The Local Station at noon. "We're not going to fire 381 police officers, we're going to keep the libraries open, we're going to keep the pools operating, we're going to resurface road. I think the citizens will see the investment for the first time in many years."
A simple majority of council could override a mayoral veto and the spending plan passed last week Wednesday on a 16-2 vote after a two-day, 17-hour meeting.
Property taxes in Duval County will go up 14 percent to pay for the city's spending, which would cost the owner of a homesteaded $150,000 home an additional $140 next year.
The mayor cannot veto the entire budget or the tax rate, but he could exercise line-item vetoes of specific spending items.
The budget must be complete before the 2013-14 fiscal year begins Tuesday.
http://www.news4jax.com/news/mayor-brown-to-announce-any-vetoes-to-budget-today/-/475880/22188190/-/14q2n5rz/-/index.html
No veto's, the budget is finalized. Brown returns document "without" his signature. It will automatically become finalized. So we have a mayor who was unable to deliver a viable budget which left all the work to the council. When the work was done, he refused to sign off on it. My guess is he is hoping to get votes by doing this in the next election. My observation is that his "no sign" is just another slap at a council he already has little rapport with.
http://news.wjct.org/post/no-mayoral-vetoes-jacksonvilles-2013-14-budget-finalized#.Ukmy4oBOGRo.facebook
Quote
By Kevin Meerschaert
The budget for the city of Jacksonville has been finalized. Mayor Alvin Brown returned the budget ordinances to the Jacksonville City Council today without his signature, which automatically enacts the legislation.
Brown also declined to use his line-item veto authority, "in order to focus on ways that we can work together to improve the community," he said in a letter to City Council President Bill Gulliford.
In the letter Brown went on to say that with the budget process at an end he looks forward to working with council members to achieve goals related to pension reform, enhancing education, revitalizing downtown and boosting quality of life in the city by focusing on parks, housing, and public-private partnerships.
The city's 2013-'14 budget goes into effect Tuesday.
The council voted to approve the budget on the evening of Sept. 25 following weeks of committee meetings and about seventeen hours of debate.
Quote from: Cheshire Cat on September 30, 2013, 01:24:14 PM
No veto's, the budget is finalized. Brown returns document "without" his signature. It will automatically become finalized. So we have a mayor who was unable to deliver a viable budget which left all the work to the council. When the work was done, he refused to sign off on it. My guess is he is hoping to get votes by doing this in the next election. My observation is that his "no sign" is just another slap at a council he already has little rapport with.
http://news.wjct.org/post/no-mayoral-vetoes-jacksonvilles-2013-14-budget-finalized#.Ukmy4oBOGRo.facebook
Quote
By Kevin Meerschaert
The budget for the city of Jacksonville has been finalized. Mayor Alvin Brown returned the budget ordinances to the Jacksonville City Council today without his signature, which automatically enacts the legislation.
Brown also declined to use his line-item veto authority, "in order to focus on ways that we can work together to improve the community," he said in a letter to City Council President Bill Gulliford.
In the letter Brown went on to say that with the budget process at an end he looks forward to working with council members to achieve goals related to pension reform, enhancing education, revitalizing downtown and boosting quality of life in the city by focusing on parks, housing, and public-private partnerships.
The city's 2013-'14 budget goes into effect Tuesday.
The council voted to approve the budget on the evening of Sept. 25 following weeks of committee meetings and about seventeen hours of debate.
So be it Mayor Brown who you voted for Cheshire Cat I do believe? Had a pension plan that this city council shot down. So he is playing politics just like John Peyton did and mayors before him. Now I hate the fact that the Meals on Wheels program will loss $181,000 dollars I wish the Mayor would have veto this but he didn't. Mayor Brown good luck with your last two years and remember a lot of people still support you. :)
Quote from: If_I_Loved_you on September 30, 2013, 01:42:23 PM
Quote from: Cheshire Cat on September 30, 2013, 01:24:14 PM
No veto's, the budget is finalized. Brown returns document "without" his signature. It will automatically become finalized. So we have a mayor who was unable to deliver a viable budget which left all the work to the council. When the work was done, he refused to sign off on it. My guess is he is hoping to get votes by doing this in the next election. My observation is that his "no sign" is just another slap at a council he already has little rapport with.
http://news.wjct.org/post/no-mayoral-vetoes-jacksonvilles-2013-14-budget-finalized#.Ukmy4oBOGRo.facebook
Quote
By Kevin Meerschaert
The budget for the city of Jacksonville has been finalized. Mayor Alvin Brown returned the budget ordinances to the Jacksonville City Council today without his signature, which automatically enacts the legislation.
Brown also declined to use his line-item veto authority, "in order to focus on ways that we can work together to improve the community," he said in a letter to City Council President Bill Gulliford.
In the letter Brown went on to say that with the budget process at an end he looks forward to working with council members to achieve goals related to pension reform, enhancing education, revitalizing downtown and boosting quality of life in the city by focusing on parks, housing, and public-private partnerships.
The city's 2013-'14 budget goes into effect Tuesday.
The council voted to approve the budget on the evening of Sept. 25 following weeks of committee meetings and about seventeen hours of debate.
So be it Mayor Brown who you voted for Cheshire Cat I do believe? Had a pension plan that this city council shot down. So he is playing politics just like John Peyton did and mayors before him. Now I hate the fact that the Meals on Wheels program will loss $181,000 dollars I wish the Mayor would have veto this but he didn't. Mayor Brown good luck with your last two years and remember a lot of people still support you. :)
What you believe and what is true as usual are two completely different things. I did not vote for Alvin Brown. Please do not think this entry means I am interested in a dialog. Just want to keep the record straight.
The mayor decides not to veto and not to sign the budget while claiming he is looking forward to working closely with council. Translation, he knew a council meeting was scheduled for 1:00PM by the council and the agenda would have been to "override" any and all veto's by Brown. He was left with no choice but comply with resistance. Long story short, Brown has failed at leadership and the power void in his administration has been filled by leadership on the council. Time will tell what impact this lopsided administration will have had on this city and it's progress. That next level Brown boasted about will only go up a notch because the reigns of leadershop have been snatched from the hands of a big talker who really cannot do the job of mayor. That is my opinion.
QuoteBy David Bauerlein
Mayor Alvin Brown told the Jacksonville City Council on Monday he will not use his line-item veto authority to strike any spending from the 2013-14 budget approved by council.
"In order to focus on ways that we can work together to improve our community, I have decided not to exercise my line-item veto authority," Brown wrote in a letter to the council.
Brown did not sign the ordinances enacting the budget and accompanying tax rate increases to council. But he stopped short of vetoing the budget. Under the City Charter, he could not veto the tax rate set by the council.
Brown said he looks forward to "working closely with City Council" to achieve several goals, including "comprehensive retirement reform solution" through the task force headed by Jacksonville attorney Bill Scheu.
Other goals are business expansion, with a focus on the port and small business and entrepreneurs.
He also listed downtown revitalization, programs assisting members of the military and veterans, "boosting quality of life by focusing on parks, housing and public-private partnerships," and "enhancing our educational system through support for schools, teachers and families."
If Brown had used his line-item veto authority, a majority vote by the City Council would have overriden a veto.
Read more at Jacksonville.com: http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2013-09-30/story/mayor-brown-decides-against-using-line-item-veto-budget-approved-city#ixzz2gOprL2jB
I voted for Mayor Brown and I certainly wish I hadn't but I just could not vote for Hogan..I think he would have been a lot worse..I cannot believe that he would have voted for the Human Rights bill. It would have just been the same old same old.
Quote from: If_I_Loved_you on September 30, 2013, 02:02:52 PM
Quote from: Cheshire Cat on September 30, 2013, 01:46:47 PM
Quote from: If_I_Loved_you on September 30, 2013, 01:42:23 PM
Quote from: Cheshire Cat on September 30, 2013, 01:24:14 PM
No veto's, the budget is finalized. Brown returns document "without" his signature. It will automatically become finalized. So we have a mayor who was unable to deliver a viable budget which left all the work to the council. When the work was done, he refused to sign off on it. My guess is he is hoping to get votes by doing this in the next election. My observation is that his "no sign" is just another slap at a council he already has little rapport with.
http://news.wjct.org/post/no-mayoral-vetoes-jacksonvilles-2013-14-budget-finalized#.Ukmy4oBOGRo.facebook
Quote
By Kevin Meerschaert
The budget for the city of Jacksonville has been finalized. Mayor Alvin Brown returned the budget ordinances to the Jacksonville City Council today without his signature, which automatically enacts the legislation.
Brown also declined to use his line-item veto authority, "in order to focus on ways that we can work together to improve the community," he said in a letter to City Council President Bill Gulliford.
In the letter Brown went on to say that with the budget process at an end he looks forward to working with council members to achieve goals related to pension reform, enhancing education, revitalizing downtown and boosting quality of life in the city by focusing on parks, housing, and public-private partnerships.
The city's 2013-'14 budget goes into effect Tuesday.
The council voted to approve the budget on the evening of Sept. 25 following weeks of committee meetings and about seventeen hours of debate.
So be it Mayor Brown who you voted for Cheshire Cat I do believe? Had a pension plan that this city council shot down. So he is playing politics just like John Peyton did and mayors before him. Now I hate the fact that the Meals on Wheels program will loss $181,000 dollars I wish the Mayor would have veto this but he didn't. Mayor Brown good luck with your last two years and remember a lot of people still support you. :)
What you believe and what is true as usual are two completely different things. I did not vote for Alvin Brown. Please do not think this entry means I am interested in a dialog. Just want to keep the record straight.
Cheshire Cat all you really want is the last word, it makes you feel better. Don't worry CC dialog with you I don't really learn anything new? But do have a good afternoon CC. ;D
(http://i.imgur.com/OpsIUof.jpg)
Quote from: Stephen on September 30, 2013, 02:12:05 PM
I voted for Mayor Brown and I certainly wish I hadn't but I just could not vote for Hogan..I think he would have been a lot worse..I cannot believe that he would have voted for the Human Rights bill. It would have just been the same old same old.
Stephen, Alvin Brown didn't support the human right's bill and in fact got Gaffney to pull his vote at the last minute. Looks like Alvin delivered a huge portion of same old same old with a side of "in your face" supporters. ;)
(http://weknowmemes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/remember-women-always-have-the-last-word-in-an-argument.jpeg)
YAWN...I see what they mean about having to have the last word. I know Mayor Brown {Lets have some respect.he is the mayor} did not support the HR Bill. I am also positive that Hogan wouldn't have either. The same old same old.
Quote from: stephendare on September 30, 2013, 02:28:59 PM
Quote from: If_I_Loved_you on September 30, 2013, 02:18:50 PM
(http://weknowmemes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/remember-women-always-have-the-last-word-in-an-argument.jpeg)
adding mysogeny to your repertoire isnt an improvement on something that is sadly in need of it, If I Love You.
Stephendare I don't hate women but know it all's I truly can't stand. This also goes for you King Debater! ;)
Quote from: Apache on September 30, 2013, 02:50:17 PM
Quote from: Stephen on September 30, 2013, 02:20:27 PM
YAWN...I see what they mean about having to have the last word. I know Mayor Brown {Lets have some respect.he is the mayor} did not support the HR Bill. I am also positive that Hogan wouldn't have either. The same old same old.
Same old what?
You just moved here and had to pose a question on this board insisting we tell you which district you live in rather that finding out that simple information for yourself. I wonder what political history and same old same old you are even talking about.
+1 See the thing is Apache, if you answer questions posed or share information you risk being called a "Know It All." lol I am put in mind of a question from IILU online which I answered and the response was that I wanted the last word. :) Who knew answering a question posed would be tantamount to having the last word. Funny, the generational differences in style really do get confused in the case of social media. Back when conversations were face to face, you know when dinosaurs roamed the earth, much in the way of innuendo was not lost. Body language, voice intonation and the lot. Smiley's just don't do the job. There was also this thing from way back when that had to do with speaking with confidence, to the point and respectfully. Also, the thing called "respect" was earned not just levied because of a title. I know, I know, the dark ages. lol Unfortunately some "misinterpret" that as being either condescending or being a know it all. Since much of my life's work has been ferreting out facts, documentation and background information it is my natural inclination to share what I have learned. That is what is behind my commentary and has always been along with this crazy idea that conversing is still a worthwhile endeavor in the land of hash tag's and tweets. Silly me. :)
It appears one of our newest community member comes with a lot of opinions about our community and that is okay I believe but at the risk of sounding condescending or being labeled a someone who knows to much, it really does take time to know the ins and outs of a community and perhaps that should be a consideration before declaring we are a backwater swampland. LMAO
A lot of time has passed since then so I know that I live in Jim Love's district which is just great and I have been talking to neighbors about politics as well as people at Church. Maybe you and Diane can go brew a fresh pot of bile
Quote from: Stephen on September 30, 2013, 03:07:42 PM
A lot of time has passed since then so I know that I live in Jim Love's district which is just great and I have been talking to neighbors about politics as well as people at Church. Maybe you and Diane can go brew a fresh pot of bile
Ah yes, how to win friends in a new community both on and off line. Well done. lol Now where is that respect you were on about earlier? Seriously, you do get mighty ugly mighty quick. Definitely new to the south. :)
Quote from: Apache on September 30, 2013, 03:29:41 PM
Quote from: Stephen on September 30, 2013, 03:07:42 PM
A lot of time has passed since then so I know that I live in Jim Love's district which is just great and I have been talking to neighbors about politics as well as people at Church. Maybe you and Diane can go brew a fresh pot of bile
Ah yes, you asked us which district you live in 59 days ago.
In that time your neighbors and church have informed you that RAP sucks, Jacksonville is backwater due to of a lack of bars, Biscottis and Casbah have way move political pull than John Valentino and Mellow Mushroom, you did vote for Mayor Brown without knowing what district you live in though, nice to have an educated voter. The Sheriff wastes a ton of money. You complain a lot but don't have the time to join any boards.
Oh, and IILY appears to agree with you a lot. Enjoy that.
Quote from: Apache on September 30, 2013, 03:40:42 PM
Quote from: If_I_Loved_you on September 30, 2013, 03:33:35 PM
Quote from: Apache on September 30, 2013, 03:29:41 PM
Quote from: Stephen on September 30, 2013, 03:07:42 PM
A lot of time has passed since then so I know that I live in Jim Love's district which is just great and I have been talking to neighbors about politics as well as people at Church. Maybe you and Diane can go brew a fresh pot of bile
Ah yes, you asked us which district you live on 59 days ago.
Yeah..thats cute, but... doesn't apply at all to my statement..just for shits and giggles are you playing me a Kyrie, eleison or a Gloria?
Don't waste your time Apache. The comprehension levels are just not there. This is why Stephendare didn't respond to a previous silly snark. (Now sit back and prepare for incoming) ;)
Stephen. Just curious how long you have actually lived here? You made note in your posts on 8/2/13 twice that you had "just moved" here. Then I see you say you voted for Mayor Brown. Of course he was elected mayor well over 2 years prior to you just moving here per your comments on 8/2/13 so just wondering when you actually moved here and began developing your ideas to how backwater we are here. Or I guess "just moved" could actually have a long tail. Either way all is good.
Quote from: edjax on September 30, 2013, 04:02:37 PM
Stephen. Just curious how long you have actually lived here? You made note in your posts on 8/2/13 twice that you had "just moved" here. Then I see you say you voted for Mayor Brown. Of course he was elected mayor well over 2 years prior to you just moving here per your comments on 8/2/13 so just wondering when you actually moved here and began developing your ideas to how backwater we are here. Or I guess "just moved" could actually have a long tail. Either way all is good.
Me thinks we have a troll. I noticed the same discrepancies. I really wonder if this is another of IILU's online monikers? lol That would make at least three. MJ admins, is there a way to check this? Just curious cause the trash talk nonsense is distracting from worthwhile conversation. Thanks.
I moved here in January of 2011. I live in Avondale. Maybe just moved here is not a fair statement but it seems like I am newly here.
About that worthwhile discussion. This is a great piece from The Daily Record. They have taken the time to delineate the differences between the mayors budget and what was created and approved by the council and will go into effect. I am going to post the comparisons for a quick view but do take the time to read the entire article using the link.
http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=540651
Quote
Public safety
MAYOR
Jacksonville Sheriff's Office
• $29.6 million in extraordinary lapse in budget
• 11 positions cut
Jacksonville Fire and Rescue
• $9 million increase to $183 million budget
• $15.5 million in unidentified cuts, mostly by not filling positions
• Saved $1.2 million by delaying equipment replacement
COUNCIL
Jacksonville Sheriff's Office
• Restored $27 million in extraordinary lapse, saving 300-plus officer positions
• Allowed sheriff to carryover $7 million in savings
Jacksonville Fire and Rescue
• Restored $12.6 million in lapse, keeping three stations open
• Spent $5.8 million on replacement vehicles and computers
Taxes
MAYOR
• Did not raise tax rates
• Property tax revenue down $5.7 million to $426 million
COUNCIL
• Increased millage rate 1.4 to 11.44 for most of county
• Homesteaded Duval house valued at $150,000 pays additional $140 per year
• Brought in about $65 million in additional revenue
Neighborhoods
MAYOR
• Increased budget $294,241 to $13.8 million
• Cut 13 positions
• Jacksonville Journey funding for LISC cut $64,957 to $399,023
COUNCIL
• Restored $246,000 to Animal Care for two positions and animal intake
• Gave Municipal Code Compliance funding for nuisance abatement and several positions
• Funded LISC for $399,023
Capital projects
MAYOR
• $30 million budget for 2013-14
• No money for road resurfacing
• No money for road construction
COUNCIL
• $66 million budget for 2013-14
• Funded $9.6 million for road resurfacing
• Park maintenance infrastructure projects, $4.7 million
• Added New World Avenue, Parramore Road, Kernan Boulevard construction projects
Parks
MAYOR
• Increased budget $4.1 million to $24.2 million, mostly for programming
• $500,000 in extraordinary lapse
• Cut 32 positions
COUNCIL
• Kept several community centers open, $240,000
• Maintained pool hours, $500,000
• Provided Hemming Plaza seed money, $200,000
Pension
MAYOR
• Said his reform plan would save $45 million in 2013-14
• Said savings over 30 years would be more than $1 billion
COUNCIL
• Council members rejected pension reform plan
• Decided any reform should not be tied to the budget
Children's issues
MAYOR
• Summer jobs program cut $29,291 to $179,929
• Jacksonville Journey funding to Jacksonville Children's Commission cut $851,422
• Juvenile crime prevention and intervention cut $45,024 to $276,576
• Cut early literacy funding by $238,000 to $1.5 million
COUNCIL
• Restored $1.4 million to Jacksonville Children's Commission
• Added $630,000 for early literacy programs
• Kept Summer Night Lights for $174,821
Libraries
MAYOR
• $2.4 million budget cut
• 33 positions eliminated
• Materials budget cut $173,370 to $2.9 million
COUNCIL
• Kept six branches open for $1.5 million
• Maintained Sunday hours for $242,698
• Spent $449,641 to keep Main Branch open Saturdays
Its a good thing they saved the libraries now will people get upset at a Tax Hike no matter how small?
Quote from: Stephen on September 30, 2013, 04:42:23 PM
Its a good thing they saved the libraries now will people get upset at a Tax Hike no matter how small?
Yes because a lot of sad little people feel that taxes should never go up? Which is just stupid! But then again I'm a Yellow Dog Democrat. ;)
I'm a democrat too...Chicago Democrat which might be worse then a Yellow Dog Democrat: whatever that is.
Quote from: Stephen on September 30, 2013, 04:48:07 PM
I'm a democrat too...Chicago Democrat which might be worse then a Yellow Dog Democrat: whatever that is.
Yellow Dog Democrats was a political term applied to voters in the Southern United States who voted solely for Democratic candidates, with the term commencing in the late 19th century. These voters would allegedly "vote for a yellow dog before they would vote for any Republican".[1][2] The term is now more generally applied to refer to any Democrat who will vote a straight party ticket under any circumstances. Wikipedia ;)
Quote from: If_I_Loved_you on September 30, 2013, 04:46:20 PM
Quote from: Stephen on September 30, 2013, 04:42:23 PM
Its a good thing they saved the libraries now will people get upset at a Tax Hike no matter how small?
Yes because a lot of sad little people feel that taxes should never go up? Which is just stupid! But then again I'm a Yellow Dog Democrat. ;)
Anyone who always votes for a single party no matter who they run is an idiot.
Quote from: carpnter on September 30, 2013, 05:14:43 PM
Quote from: If_I_Loved_you on September 30, 2013, 04:46:20 PM
Quote from: Stephen on September 30, 2013, 04:42:23 PM
Its a good thing they saved the libraries now will people get upset at a Tax Hike no matter how small?
Yes because a lot of sad little people feel that taxes should never go up? Which is just stupid! But then again I'm a Yellow Dog Democrat. ;)
Anyone who always votes for a single party no matter who they run is an idiot.
This is the same way I feel about anyone voting for the Tea Party type Republicans?