Over the last ten days, it has been helpful to read the many posts on the various threads about the city budget, fees and, most recently, the mayor's three-part proposal to cut expenses, reform the pension system and raise revenue. This post will be an attempt to, briefly, respond to what I've read.
Government needs to cut and make sacrifices -- Agreed. We should work to get more efficient everyday, just as business does. And we need to make sacrifices in tough times. However, as Mayor Peyton said today, such a premise is not a management plan, it's a bumper sticker. We have to seriously examine every expense, every program and the impact to every segment of our community. And then we have to reach a consensus on what to fund and what to cut. The question I asked in an earlier post remains...what specific expenditures would you propose cutting? (Brainstormer, I did see your suggestion about eliminating weatherization programs for senior citizens. Thanks for the specific suggestion. However, that program is 100 percent funded by state and federal grants...no local/general fund dollars are used. So even if we eliminated the program, it would have no impact on our local budget.) We do appreciate suggestions like this as it helps us all better understand the city's budget...keep 'em coming!
Peyton needs to show sacrifice -- The first step of the mayor's plan is to cut expenses...$40 million to be exact. These cuts include the elimination of 100 positions (on top of the 400 positions he has eliminated since 2006) and a five percent across-the board cut in all non-public safety departments. He will also take to the bargaining table a pay freeze for ALL city employees and a furlough for all non-public safety employees. More than half of the $20 million is related to city employee-related expenses.
The courthouse is an example of government waste -- The budget at issue is the city's general fund budget. It is funded by property taxes, state shared revenue (primarily sales taxes), JEA contribution, and related revenue. The courthouse is a Better Jacksonville Plan project, funded by a dedicated half-penny sales tax that does not go into the city's general fund. Cancelling the courthouse project will have little effect on balancing the budget.
Peyton must gain the confidence of the community before he can ask for a tax increase -- During the next 90 days of budget season, the Mayor will remain unilaterally focused on talking with this community about the expense and revenue sides of this budget and his three part plan to fix it. And we will create opportunities for people to go through the exercise of balancing the city's budget. Only through such a session can you move people from a simple debate of "yes on taxes" or "no on taxes" to the complex exercise of making trade-offs and tough policy and financial decisions to balance a nearly one billion dollar municipal budget.
The budget numbers always seem to change -- You would find this to be true in every organization in American at budget time. The only reason you seem to see it in City Hall and not in private business, is that the city's budget documents are a matter of public record and ultimate decision making is in the sunshine. As a result, the dynamic budget machinations are played out in public as new information is gained and numbers are refined. Because it's the public money, this should be a public process, but let's not think that numbers jumping around is unique to government. That's the normal budget process for any large, complex organization.
Look for new revenue sources, like investing in growing our medical industry -- Great point. New, private investment will both build the tax base and create jobs in Jacksonville. I could wax on about about our economic development efforts, but I want to mention one bill now pending before the City Council related to an importance investment at Shands. The legislation would direct about $1.5 million to purchase the Blood Bank property for the UF College of Medicine, adjacent to the Shands campus, to be converted to a new education facility for medical students. This is the consistent with the Mayor's goal to further leverage both the Shands medical facilities and the University of Florida's medical school investment. We have the proton beam therapy here. Every UF medical school student does a rotation through Shands Jacksonville. And UF's emergency medicine school is here in Jacksonville.
Jacksonville's tax burden is too high -- Even with the property tax increase proposed to 9.69 mills by the mayor, Jacksonville's millage (property tax) rate will be lower than other large, urban areas in Florida. And, in reading newspapers from around the state, it appears that Jacksonville will not be alone in raising millage...so my guess is that our status as the lowest will remain strong. (See page 16 of the JCCI study) And despite claims I have seen, I am struggling to believe that the tax burden is greater here than in Boston. Does anyone have analysis on this?
I am certain that I have missed some issues, arguments and concerns. Let's keep up the dialogue. In the meantime, check out www.fixitnow.cc for more on the mayor's proposal.
What is the median tax bill increase that will result from the Mayor's plan to raise taxes?
Joe -- This link might help...
http://www.fixitnow.cc/mypropertytax.html
Adam, thanks for your input. Has any thought gone into an increase in sales tax at all. I really don't mind too much, paying a little more property tax, but the burden of this years, and, probably next years shortfall, seems to fall on the property owners shoulders and not too many other people, except where government cut backs are met.
Adam, has any consideration been given to the sale of city assets to raise money? Perhaps the Jags or the NFL would be interested in buying the football stadium.
Adam, tough days ahead for everyone, but I really must point out something I mentioned to my city council folks and a reply back to the fixitnow website. If you add up all the commercial and residential interests on the website at fixitnow, you find about 320,000 total properties. Whereas, the US Census bureau shows that Jax has, as of 2007, 805,000 total people. I had seen information where 25% of the population in Jacksonville rents properties.
I don't want to pay more taxes if I can avoid it, but if I must pay more for my house fine. However, the tenants of our properties are going to see us pass these taxes on to them. This in addition to a Stormwater tax, the JEA rate hikes, and the rental community, at 25% of the population will do exactly what we as citizens are going to do. We are going to stop spending at restaurants, stop spending on retail items, and hold the line as to where we spend our money.
Have you really thought how raising property taxes create a trickle down effect onto everyone, including those of us who own property, are going to pass these tax increases onto our tenants? I already passed Stormwater onto them, now another 10-20 a month for increased millage?
If you really want to help us, lower our property values, and advise Jim Overton and his people to include foreclosed properties in valuations. Right now, foreclosures are not seen as a true value of a property, yet the local banks mandate that all appraisals include at least 1 foreclosure in the neighborhood. Property owners have to get some break on this, it can't be up, up and up all the time.
I've seen some good comments and questions...here's my best reply:
Why not raise the sales tax instead? Sales tax revenue can only be used for capital expenditures like roads, buildings, etc. Local governments cannot use sales tax revenue for operating expenses like police and fire service, parks maintenance, etc. It is operating expenses which comprise the vast majority of the general fund. (You will remember that it was the BJP referendum that increased the sales tax to pay for that program's capital projects list.)
Why not sell city assets to raise revenue? Good question. However, the sale of assets is a one-time revenue source that should not be responsibly applied to ongoing, annual expenses. That would sort of be like selling grandma's china to pay the mortgage payment. What would you then do next month? The city has a gap between service demand and the associated expenses and the revenue available to pay for those services. A one-time/short-term fix only delays having to make the difficult choices for the long-term.
Why not lower property values? As was alluded to, property assessments are performed by the county property appraiser. It is not appropriate for the mayor to interfere in the assessment process or direct the setting of property values -- particularly to affect revenue to be ultimately received by the city. (Can you imagine the skulduggery that could result..."Hey, hike up Joe's property values, his great uncle just died and he can afford it...and besides the government needs more money.") Property owners who disagree with their valuation can appeal to the Value Adjustment Board.
Have we considered the impact of property tax increases on renters, particularly in light of fees? As the mayor said today, no elected official seeks office to raise taxes. However, it is also doubtful that any elected official ran for office to dismantle government and destroy a community's quality of life. That is why the mayor is calling for $40 million in cuts and a modest increase in revenue. The increase will cost the average homeowner $115 per year and Jacksonville will remain among the least tax/fee-burdened cities in the state.
Adam,
Why shoot for an extra $115 a month to maintain status quo? If it has to go up, why not take it to $125 or so to fund things (improving existing parks, parks maintenance, etc.) that can actually enhance our quality of life? Does the opposition really increase when the request is $5 to $10 more per property owner over what is needed to maintain status quo?
Lake, Alot of people are already struggling to pay bills. My mortgage has already gone up three times since 06. The city has shown in the past and especially this administration that they are very poor at managing money. How much revenue was lost with fail deals with city property, the landing and other properties the city continues to hold on to. Why doesnt this plan include this city selling its own property, an outline on what the money will be used for, what parks will be rehab, what new amenties will be added downtown. You see just giving the city more money just manage what we have will not do when there sitting on property that could be sold. I dont trust these people!!!
QuoteLake, Alot of people are already struggling to pay bills.
^No doubt. You can add me to this category. I've been doing contract work since my firm went under last year. In any event, its one thing if there is a choice of whether to cut services or increase property taxes $115 to remain status quo. However, no one is going to lose their home over a $10 difference, assuming the decision is made to increase property taxes. $115 or $120/$125, you're in the do-do with both. Imo,
if we're going to increase, that increase should be about enhancing current services, not remaining status quo.
$10 here and there, $111 waste management fees, here and there. Yeah to me with a good paying job not alot of money, but when I think of my grandmother and others on fixed incomes trying to keep up with all these fees then I get worried. Now I just read that the duval county schools is thinking about increasing fees. So where does it end. You mention enhancing current servies, well when its all said and done who will have any money to spend on any extra services.
Adam, thank you for a thoughtful reply. As we are now facing a massive enlargement of rail passenger services nationwide, it seems to me and many others on this board that a combination of $40 Million cut in expenditures and a modest increase in revenue may indeed solve the "mortgage payment". But it does nothing to push us higher on the national transportation scope. We are the natural rail gateway to Florida and the Southeast. Getting the Convention Center relocated to the Courthouse/Hyatt site, and building a compact Transportation Center at JACKSONVILLE TERMINAL would assure us of 100's of new high paying jobs (Many of those train crews that would be staying in our downtown on layovers are making at or above $100,000 per year).
Compliment the downtown with the growth engine that streetcars provide and fund that 100% from the BJP right of way funding for transportation. With volunteers such as Dallas, Ft. Smith, Ft. Collins all use, we should be able to build for around $5 Million a mile or less, including the equipment. Cities with streetcars are STILL experiencing a $1,200 dollar return on every $1 invested, in the form of new development. Our one-two-three punch of SKYWAY-AMTRAK-STREETCAR would be a rocket powered income generator.
Finish the Skyway by directing JTA to aggressively complete shovel ready plans for San Marco (Atlantic at the FEC/West of tracks), Riverside (around Blue Cross), Stadium (at least Bay and Randolph).
Last but certainly not least is directing JAXPORT, JAA and JTA to persue the purchase and lease back of the entire former "S" line as well as the CSX from Springfield to Yulee. This gives us neutral access to our port, and offers a primary route for future expansion as well as future commuter rail.
Let me know if I can assist you in any way. Spike, Chris etc... all have my home phone number, so give me a call anytime.
THIS FROM JOHN MICA TODAY: QuoteBLUEPRINT AMERICA: What is the likelihood of the transportation bill passing?
REP. MICA: It's 50-50. It's hard to say if we can get support. I think that with rolling the bill out this week, we will have an option of our bill versus the 18-month extension. Then you just have to work it, and see if you can bring a coalition of people who are interested in building and solving the problem of infrastructure now, rather than putting it off until later.
BLUEPRINT AMERICA: And, what would you say of the support right now for the transportation bill?
REP. MICA: Well, I think it could pass in the House.
BLUEPRINT AMERICA: What about the Senate?
REP. MICA: A little bit more dicey.
BLUEPRINT AMERICA: You were quoted as saying, referring to the Obama Administration wanting to delay authorization, “That’s a real slap in the face to a lot of hard work … I would have been mortified if this had been done to me under Bush.â€
REP. MICA: I’m not Rep. Oberstar, but for his administration, after working as hard as he has to move the bill forward, to have the rug pulled out from under him, with this just out of the blue proposal, is a hard pill to swallow.
BLUEPRINT AMERICA: In terms of your role as a Representative from Florida, and getting funding for your state and your district, what needs to happen to that process?
REP. MICA: Well, I’m more interested in the country at large in terms of infrastructure. If we can provide adequate funds for improvements across the country, then it benefits every district â€" not just my own. Simply, I’m not taking a parochial viewpoint for my own district or for my own state.
BLUEPRINT AMERICA: You are a Republican â€" and you support transportation and infrastructure spending?
REP. MICA: Well, I tell you though, if you’re on the Transportation Committee long enough, even if you’re a fiscal conservative, which I consider myself to be, you quickly see the benefits of transportation investment. Simply, I became a mass transit fan because it’s so much more cost effective than building a highway. Also, it’s good for energy, it’s good for the environment â€" and that’s why I like it.
BLUEPRINT AMERICA: If anything, you’d say that your time in Congress and on the Transportation Committee has brought you around to these ideas?
REP. MICA: Yes. And, seeing the cost of one person in one car. The cost for construction. The cost for the environment. The cost for energy. You can pretty quickly be convinced that there’s got to be a more cost effective way. It’s going to take a little time, but we have to have good projects, they have to make sense â€" whether it’s high-speed rail or commuter rail or light rail. We got to have some alternatives helping people â€" even in the rural areas â€" to get around.
OCKLAWAHA
QuoteSo where does it end.
Who knows? I'm worried as well and I'm not saying I'm in favor of raising any fees but what is the solution if you want a better city? Can it be achieved by cutting services? To me something has to be done that encourages additional investment in this city. Raising fees may not be the answer, but neither is remaining the same (which isn't good now) or cutting services. The later options only lead to rust belt status, more blight, declining property values and crime. That's something no one wants.
And where is the city going to get the money to move or build a new convention center, oh first is the city even thinking about a new convention center. Street cars, finishing the skyway, is JTA thinking about that. Dont get me wrong I am all for it., but when guys realize that this is not going to happen here. you'll either except it, or look elsehwere. WE do not HAVE the RIGHT leadership in place for any of this to HAPPEN this decade.
Crime is already here and getting worst!! Now if the mayor or some other mayor than this one we have had better vision and a real plan instead of whats going to be cut if this doesnt happen. Yeah if rasing taxes means a better Jackosinville than I'm for it,, but in this case it really means more money for them to waste. Fix it now,, whats being fix,, you mean maintaining the blight we already have. Fix it now means a new Mayor with strong leadership in coucil members, we have neither.
Streetcars and Skyway are transit capital projects....they get funded through a combination of federal, state, and local funds...and can be paid for with sales tax revenue (like Better Jax)
The general City budget is primarily for operations, which comes from different revenue sources.
Also remember that JTA is a state agency, not City
Adam - the Court House is a BJP project, but with it being nearly twice what was originally in the BJP vote, where is the additional money going to come from? The road projects that haven't been started yet? The set-aside for rail transit right-of-way? Without knowing this, you have to admit there is skepticism about how we are going to pay for this (ugly) building.
Quote from: tufsu1 on June 25, 2009, 09:35:16 PM
Streetcars and Skyway are transit capital projects....they get funded through a combination of federal, state, and local funds...and can be paid for with sales tax revenue (like Better Jax)
The general City budget is primarily for operations, which comes from different revenue sources.
Also remember that JTA is a state agency, not City
My point is the city whether funded or not,, JTA,, neither is thinking of fishing or implementing any of these ideas floating around on here. Better jax did all thoses project get completed? I think not, but taxes were raised for that purpose. So where is that money?
Quote from: Keith-N-Jax on June 25, 2009, 09:19:20 PM
Crime is already here and getting worst!! Now if the mayor or some other mayor than this one we have had better vision and a real plan instead of whats going to be cut if this doesnt happen. Yeah if rasing taxes means a better Jackosinville than I'm for it,, but in this case it really means more money for them to waste. Fix it now,, whats being fix,, you mean maintaining the blight we already have. Fix it now means a new Mayor with strong leadership in coucil members, we have neither.
This is really directed to the city, in general. We have our problems but it can get worse. Meet Detroit
(outside of downtown, which now happens to be more vibrant than ours).(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/574148403_ESvMP-M.jpg)
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/574148151_J4PEs-M.jpg)
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/574148423_Dxvtp-M.jpg)
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/574146795_26TyX-M.jpg)
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/574146769_Bq9ea-M.jpg)
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Think Park View Inn times 1 million in 1/5 the land area. Its critical that this administration find a way to enhance the quality of this city. We're already losing the economic battle with many of our peer cities. A city that does not find a way to move forward regresses. Cutting services and maintaining the status quo should not be the only options on the table.
Quote from: Keith-N-Jax on June 25, 2009, 10:26:12 PM
Better jax did all thoses project get completed? I think not, but taxes were raised for that purpose. So where is that money?
Many Better Jax projects have been completed....others are under construction....in case you didn't realize, the $ is to be collected over approx. 15 years...and obviously sales tax revenues have been down the last few years, so it would make sense if a few projects didn't get done on-time.
Done in time or done at all, guess we will have to wait to see in case you didnt realize.
(http://www.railpac.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/noel-17.jpg)
Jacksonville, is your station ready?
Quote from: tufsu1 on June 25, 2009, 09:35:16 PM
Streetcars and Skyway are transit capital projects....they get funded through a combination of federal, state, and local funds...and can be paid for with sales tax revenue (like Better Jax)
The general City budget is primarily for operations, which comes from different revenue sources.
Also remember that JTA is a state agency, not City
TUFSU1 You are right, the "normal" way is as you stated it, but these are NOT normal times.
Streetcars could be built and FINISHED in a phase one (roughly 5-7 miles) project with 100% local money from the BJP funding for Right-of-Way. This would avoid the minefield of the FTA rules, and allow us to be up and running in stellar time. It would only take a change in wording in the BJP to make it happen.
I'm going to be talking with JTA soon and frankly if we had plans ready to build, we could now get 100% of the build out money with ZERO MATCH, for the Skyway. The president and FTA have said they will fund these at 100% if they're shovel ready.
The Neutral access is needed for the Port and Free Trade Zone in order to continue to grow the port into a world contender, it can go through the normal channels but as it is freight/port/air/rail/highway related it has many more options for funding. The Amtrak project is coming ready or not, and we better be ready or Titusville will be the big dog. But the Station changes and Amtrak can "get funded through a combination of federal, state, and local funds...and can be paid for with sales tax revenue (like Better Jax)."
We would thus complete all four transit related projects and the Port/Airport (Free Trade Zone)/North Commuter Rail link, and be in the envious position of having the most accessable port, airport, downtown, and most balanced transit system in the South. Good thing is we CAN do it now or continue to lack the will to lead, I say, let's do it.
(http://www.nationalparkstraveler.com/files/storyphotos/Amtrak-Calif%20Parks.jpg)
Jacksonville, your train is coming FAST!
KEITH or anyone else that doesn't think JTA is onboard with these ideas check this out:
http://www.jtaonthemove.com/RTS/showPage.aspx?Sel=38 Commuter Rail
http://www.jtaonthemove.com/RTS/showPage.aspx?Sel=40 Station
http://www.jtaonthemove.com/RTS/showPage.aspx?Sel=195 Streetcars
The Skyway simply needs a plan in hand, something we already had at one time. OCKLAWAHA
QuoteWhy not lower property values? As was alluded to, property assessments are performed by the county property appraiser. It is not appropriate for the mayor to interfere in the assessment process or direct the setting of property values -- particularly to affect revenue to be ultimately received by the city. (Can you imagine the skulduggery that could result..."Hey, hike up Joe's property values, his great uncle just died and he can afford it...and besides the government needs more money.") Property owners who disagree with their valuation can appeal to the Value Adjustment Board.
Adam, with all due respect, if the mayor wants to dig into my pocket for $115 more per year, he can go down and see the Property Appraiser who operates under the City umbrella. Fix the property appraisers office if you want my help. You failed to address the issues of adding Foreclosure values to your value in the neighborhood. Banks operating in Jacksonville mandate foreclosures in their appraisals, have the mayors office change the PA's valuations as well. Help out the citizens, if you plan to raise the millage, at least level the playing field for our homes.
Good idea to hold VAB objections at the Prime, this year, you better get used to a MAJOR decrease in property values, South Florida recently lost 5 BILLION in value. I am going to have fun with Mr. Overton's office this fall, but that can all be avoided if the mayor helps us.
Ock - Where does Amtrak belong in this conversation? You want to discuss Amtrak, send Adam an email directly. Come on, really?
Keith - We all want rail to run right to our door for easy drop off and pick up. however, we all know the City, State and Feds are challenged to deliver. Most people want rail, but no one, like Art Graham likes to say, can DELIVER THE DATA, on why we need so much commuter rail in Duval County and no one has accurate data on costs.
Rail does not really belong on this thread. This is about the Mayor, Adam and the fact that they claim they need money, but no one has shown the DATA to us. Today its 60 million shortfall, next month it will be 70 million, by end of summer, we are up to 150 million.
Its just not $115 its based on the value of your home. I just saw a tax table on WJXT. If your home value is between 300 to 400 thou its $428.dollars and up and up based on the vaule. Guess he forgot to mention that in the speech.
Quote from: mtraininjax on June 25, 2009, 11:29:35 PM
Keith - We all want rail to run right to our door for easy drop off and pick up. however, we all know the City, State and Feds are challenged to deliver. Most people want rail, but no one, like Art Graham likes to say, can DELIVER THE DATA, on why we need so much commuter rail in Duval County and no one has accurate data on costs.
not to change the thread topic, but there's not much data supporting some of our highest priority road projects either....SR 9B is not necessary (since they plan to widen I-95 and SR 9A anyway)...and what about the Northern Outer Beltway...it seems to me that upgarding US 301 would do the same thing.
The fact is we often build roads as a way of spurring development (good or bad)...so why does transit have to meet a different standard?
Quote from: mtraininjax on June 25, 2009, 11:29:35 PM
Ock - Where does Amtrak belong in this conversation? You want to discuss Amtrak, send Adam an email directly. Come on, really?
Keith - We all want rail to run right to our door for easy drop off and pick up. however, we all know the City, State and Feds are challenged to deliver. Most people want rail, but no one, like Art Graham likes to say, can DELIVER THE DATA, on why we need so much commuter rail in Duval County and no one has accurate data on costs.
Rail does not really belong on this thread. This is about the Mayor, Adam and the fact that they claim they need money, but no one has shown the DATA to us. Today its 60 million shortfall, next month it will be 70 million, by end of summer, we are up to 150 million.
(http://betchaitluc.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/img_0192.jpg)
Is this MTrains vision of downtown? No taxes, no services, no problem...
(http://z.about.com/d/gobrazil/1/0/4/2/-/-/PC310222.JPG)
This is my vision of downtown, your welcome to get onboard if you want growth...
My, My, My testy little negative friend. Rail belongs to this thread as TUFSU1 has just pointed out. We have an on coming train, and it is moving with all the speed Washington can give it. We can play your game of denial and stick our heads in the sand (maybe it will just go away - we're too broke to welcome it) or we get proactive and find a way to add some funds in there to put us in charge. Thus we could crank up the development engine rail provides and start to see returns in the way of new businesses, new jobs, new residents, new offices, new factory's. Will it cost us anything? Sure, so does I-95 or JTB, but they don't give back to our economy like rail does. If you think this thread is only about dollars that go into some vague account, your missing the need to set our future priorities.
Your telling me to "go away" isn't going to get you much. Remember when driving around downtown in the evening, that headlight you see might be an on coming streetcar!OCKLAWAHA
Ock - Its raining outside, where's your umbrella, I want to test something...
mtrain....what would you like to test...the fact that SJTC was closed during the storm?
Peyton said in an interview with Channel 12's Shannon Odgen, that in his first term he made the pledge of "not raising taxes", but in his second term "he made no such promises", so the fact that we are in his second term does not count.
Has this man ever heard of charachter?
What a piece of crap.
typical politician doublespeak, reminds me of Clinton's "that depends on what the meaning of the word is is."
I'm amused by the fixitnow.cc website tagline: "What kind of city do YOU want?" Ummmm...the kind of city JAX currently is not: vibrant, working, and sustainable. Anyone who has ever lived elsewhere knows that JAX offers poor value for money when it comes to city services and quality of life.
Surely we are all floored by the prowess of a Mayor's office whose vision tops out at preserving the local status-quo.
I have no problem paying several hundred dollars extra, but the mayor's office has to offer something besides no-bid contracts, poor urban planning, massive (but ineffective) public safety spending, and staff pay cuts in return.
this is why no one should ever sign that pledge...just look at what it did to our State Legislature this year!
All right, I've been on vacation the past week, so I had some catching up to do. I actually took the time to download last year's budget and the following is the result of about 2 hours spent trying to dissect it and come up with ideas. Adam, that is what you asked for, correct? I'm still confused about the general fund and what all comes out of it, but my ideas are based on a basic citizen's understanding of the budget. ;) There are a lot of questions that will hopefully raise red flags for you as well.
Budget Concerns with Immediate Savings
1. In 2009 the city budgeted an additional 1.5 million for consulting fees to money managers of the general employee pension fund. (page 208) I ask why this excessive increase? Can we cut back at least a million?
2. The city council alone is budgeted 18 million. (page 244) This seems outrageous!!! Do council members really need all of these secretaries and expense accounts? I think cutting 8-10 million off the top would be a good start. If council members can't deal with that, then they should resign.
3. The Finance Department's expenditures have quadrupled since 2007 to over 200 million!!! :o What has caused this huge increase? (page 276) Can we cut say 50 million and still continue to pay off debt?
4. According to the budget (page 355), the Planning and Development Department barely existed in 2007. In 2009 it suddenly accounted for 22 million in expenditures. This department went from 60 positions to 238 and also included 6,355 budgeted part time hours. Why the sudden explosion in this department and how is this affecting the city? I haven't noticed our city becoming that much better since 2007. Can we cut 7 million here?
So far, 68 million could be cut from what appears to me, to be some "bloated" city departments.
Additional Budget Areas with Potential Savings
1. I agree, the pension thing must be fixed immediately.
2. The city gives out 30 million in grants to the community. (pages 65-74) After looking at the list there are some that seem unneeded. Let's revisit who we give grants to and make sure the money is being spent wisely. I say we could cut at least 5-10 million in grants and not do much damage.
3. The Concurrency Management system should be able to absorb at least some cuts because of the decrease in area development. (page 89)
4. Let's rethink the JHFA and do some cutting there as well. This relatively new department has many potential savings. Things we like, but don't need. It only helps a small number of citizens and many non-profits offer similar programs.
5. Jacksonville Children's Commission accounts for 30 million of the budget. (page 317) We all love children, but there is some "fluff" in this department that isn't really doing a lot of good. Don't cut the whole department but 5-8 million isn't going to hurt it much.
6. The mayor needs to take a look at overtime for city employees in all departments. This is costing the city millions and in some cases it might be cheaper to hire a new "cheap" employee under a new less costly pension plan so that some of these folks at the top of the pay scale aren't raping the city for time and a half overtime charges. I would also think about an employee incentive plan for a strong work ethic. I personally get paid a set salary and if I don't get my work done during the day, I take it home and do it on my own time. What a concept huh? I'll be honest, you have some lazy, worthless employees who are abusing our taxpayer money. Let's start firing those who can't quite cut it.
7. Many people feel that administrative people like yourself ;) and many administrative secretaries are paid too much. I would say anyone making over $75,000 should take an 8% pay cut.
8. At least 5-8 million could be saved by cutting AMIO salaries and eliminating many of these positions that are redundant. http://jaxpolitics.wordpress.com/2009/05/03/city-special-appointees-still-raking-in-the-money/ I wish I could have had a 20-30% raise last year. >:(
9. Hanna and Huguenot Parks account for 2.5 million in budgeted dollars. This seems very unfair when you look at the neglect of so many other parks in the city. I say cut their budgets or at least distribute the funds to other parks in the city. Hogan's Creek really needs some help.
So where does this leave us? Well, I obviously feel that there are millions of dollars that can still be cut, enough to cover the shortfall for next year. But then, I ask the now infamous question, "What kind of a city do I want?" First of all, please stop using scare tactics to get what you want. Stop making citizens feel bad by bribing them into a tax increase by saying things like cutting libraries and fire stations. The library system might have to rethink how it operates and I'm guessing becoming more efficient or cutting back on a few hours or employees could result in some savings. Honestly, the fix-it-now site makes me sick! It is so short-sighted. Why would a mayor propose to cut all of the good things that actually create a positive vibe in the city. Cutting the Jazz Festival, World of Nations, recycling and closing the Lavilla museum? That's just stupid!
I personally think the mill rate should be increased, even if it isn't desperately needed. We can start saving some for a rainy day as well as start work on giving us a better quality of life. Let's put some of the new tax money into the urban core. Let's improve the inner parks, let's work on mass transit and other ideas that will spur economic development. Let's put together another great downtown festival that adds an economic impact to city businesses. We must stop expanding the suburbs and begin regrowing our inner city. I think most citizens want a better Jacksonville. I guarantee if you were to make the cuts I suggested above, you would start to gain back the trust of some citizens. Suggest a more modest tax increase of say 8-10% and then let's have fun spending it to make us feel better about our city.
Brainstormer -- Good stuff and thanks for taking the time to develop tangible, actionable suggestions. Let us work through each of these and we 'll respond as quickly as we can. It's this kind of conversation that will help educate and engage folks on the budget...and is a useful exercise.
Adam,
We are all tighenting our belts. We are cutting out things we do not use. So why not cut out some city services, that are not being used or needed during the downturn? St. Johns County clerks office did not whine in the papers, they cut out the outlying offices and now have 1 major in St. Augustine.
So why not cut out some libraries? Why not cut out the recycling program? Why not cut out some service programs, as a part of a smaller government in the face of lower revenues? You can't keep raising taxes to fill the void every year, and what happens next year? More taxes?
mtrain...the City has proposed cutting over $40 million from the budget....and they are opening a dialogue regarding more cuts vs. more taxes....if we don't raise taxes, libraries will be closed, recycling will stop, etc.
Why not ask the taxpayers (residents) what they feel is more important?
Quoteif we don't raise taxes, libraries will be closed, recycling will stop, etc.
Why not ask the taxpayers (residents) what they feel is more important?
Cut it all out. Would BJP pass today if we had to do it all over again? It passed 52 to 48, but I am thinking it would be more like 30 to 70 now.
It would be nice if the CC did ask the people, too bad, we have to tell THEM the pulse of Jax.
QuoteIs it totally effective to just be an a-hole?
Stephen, people in glass houses.....some of my friends in the City say the exact same thing about you....why do you suppose that is?
Perhaps we care too much!
QuotePerhaps we care too much!
So what is it? You care too much or not at all (and want to cut all spending) ?
Mtrain, perhaps you might think about moving out into the countryside. After reading many of your posts the past month, it seems to me at the bottom of all of this is a deep hatred for the ideal of "a city."
I choose to live in a city because I want to be near parks where I can run and relax. I want to be able to walk to a neighborhood library where I can check out books for free instead of buying them. I want to be able to recycle because I care about the environment, even though it might cost a bit more. I would love to get rid of my car and use effective mass transit. I like being around others and supporting my friends in their small business ventures. I enjoy attending the symphony and city events like the jazz festival. I live in a city because I love it.
You might be much happier living in Nassau County where no one is going to bother you and you don't have to pay the taxes of city life.
Mtrain: The Property Appraiser's Office must follow state law and Department of Revenue (DOR) guidelines. DOR's guidelines do not allow Property Appraisers to use foreclosure sales in setting market values--in response to your quote below.
"Adam, with all due respect, if the mayor wants to dig into my pocket for $115 more per year, he can go down and see the Property Appraiser who operates under the City umbrella. Fix the property appraisers office if you want my help. You failed to address the issues of adding Foreclosure values to your value in the neighborhood. Banks operating in Jacksonville mandate foreclosures in their appraisals, have the mayors office change the PA's valuations as well. Help out the citizens, if you plan to raise the millage, at least level the playing field for our homes.
Good idea to hold VAB objections at the Prime, this year, you better get used to a MAJOR decrease in property values, South Florida recently lost 5 BILLION in value. I am going to have fun with Mr. Overton's office this fall, but that can all be avoided if the mayor helps us."
Great post, Brainstormer. I've downloaded the prior budget but have not had chance to sit down and mark it up to form my opinions/recommendations.
Adam, I personally have felt for some time that the Jacksonville millage rate was too low to sustain the level of services I believe can be delivered to our community. I've paid property taxes in Duval County since the 80s when the millages were much higher (but of course now I have to consider both millage and the "use fees" to compare apples to apples). Continuously dropping millage rates, versus at least maintaining a "status quo" level invariably leads to the fiscal swings that won't end this year, regardless of whether the Council approves Mayor Peyton's proposed budget or not.
I've been disappointed in Mayor Peyton's last few budgets and large fiscal policy recommendations (such as Jacksonville Journey and Trail Ridge) - more by the manner of presentment than the content itself. For the last few years it seems the "pitch" presented to the community consists of a basic recipe: a few weeks of "sky is falling" rhetoric combined with financial sound bites versus details and meaningful content. No offense, Adam, but I'm seeing the same approach with FixItNow, too.
I visited the FixItNow web site hoping for thoughtful analyses of individual departmental expenditures, financial trend analyses within our city, and perhaps even metrics and scorecards to help the community determine the ROI for where our tax dollars are spent, or summaries of how the budget allocations compare to any of the prior fiscal visioning efforts the city has occasionally gone through. I found the link to the JCCI's latest study with some of that data, but I wanted more from COJ directly. Will any of that be added to the site, or do we have to dig through the COJ web site for that type of data?
With limited transparency comes limited trust. While I believe a millage rate increase is justifiable in the long run (and I prefer property taxes to "user fees"), I am not comfortable supporting it unless our city leaders demonstrate improved fiscal responsibility and transparency. Show the public where you're surgically reducing expenses, versus the broad-based saber-rattling we generally hear thrown about. Develop metrics to evaluate the return-on-investment the community gets from the city services we fund.
Some specific tactical recommendations I offer:
1. Defer Metro Park and Kids Kamp facility upgrades, unless there is a clear ROI-based business case. If upgrades to ticket booth facilities will enable us to have more concerts, a cost-benefit analysis should be straightforward. However. I can't see the value in adding more water effects to the kids park in a fiscal year like this. I'd rather see a library kept open.
2. Streamline overlapping departmental funding. From the articles I've read, it sounds like the proposed Metro park upgrades are being funded by JEDCO instead of from the Parks & Recreation Department who manages the park. It's a lot easier for citizens to understand funding prioritization when the funding priority is the responsibility of one department, not multiple ones. If the parks department had the funding directly, would the department Director and the staff prioritize the expense the same way or would their expenditure recommendations be different?
3. Eliminate or scale back optional expenses such as the fireworks display. I hate to say that, but again if I have to choose between keeping a library open or a public celebration, I'll keep the service over the party.
4. Eliminate all unnecessary overtime, and overtime related to optional projects.
5. Eliminate AMIO positions. If the resources are needed, process them through standard FTE business justifications and HR protocols.
6. Eliminate unnecessary travel. Improve travel coordination between Mayor's Office, City Council and local agencies.
7. Use the resources you already have. Why was the FixItNow site outsourced (i.e. 3rd party site hosting and GoDaddy registration processed by Adam on behalf of the city) versus using existing COJ resources and web servers? Can't the Mayor get space on the COJ web site? And if the justification is that it's cheaper to go outside the city's IT department, well then that's something to consider a "fix it now" item.
Thanks for listening to our feedback, and the diversity of opinions our community has. :)
Yellowbluff, I included page numbers when I went through because it allows everyone else an opportunity to see where I found concerns. Last year's budget is 468 pages, if I remember correctly. I suggest that anyone who finds things to bring to our attention also include page numbers so we can somewhat follow along. Going through the 30 million in city grants is one thing I hope to take a closer look at. The problem is that many of the groups mentioned I've never heard of, so it is hard to justify their grant or not. Perhaps we need a better vetting process to ensure money is well spent and goes to help the most people possible.
QuoteMtrain: The Property Appraiser's Office must follow state law and Department of Revenue (DOR) guidelines. DOR's guidelines do not allow Property Appraisers to use foreclosure sales in setting market values--in response to your quote below.
Kay, Thanks for the input, but I really don't care if the State of Florida's DOR guidelines make Jim Overton stand on his head and count to 10. When the banks who write the mortgages are including foreclosures in EVERY appraisal and our State leaders cannot change their programs to follow suit, there is a MAJOR disconnect for everyone involved in the largest economic engine for Florida. Real Estate got us into this mess and it can get us all out.
The property tax relief is a wash after they raise the millage rate, so we still have the same banks writing loans including foreclosures, which are not going to stop anytime soon, and will probably race further ahead as we see more ARMs come due to a few more legs up.
I am amazed at how none of the leaders saw this coming down the road. Peyton has been in power for 6 years, and no one saw how easy it was to manipulate the system. No one learned from the S&L crisis. Now only property owners are paying for the sins of everyone. This really pisses me off, and people are fine with a property tax increase, but no one can work to fix the sales tax issue with the state, that would make all 800,000 people who live in Duvale county PAY for what they consume!
QuoteAll of your posts have been as contrarian as possible, and represent a pretty extreme anti taxation viewpoint that I don't think the rest of the city shares with you.
In the mtrain universe, mass transit won't work, no taxes should be raised because we can just all live in the basement and use an outhouse when necessary and to hell with the quality of life.
Sure the real world is less bleak.
You can agree to disagree with me, we can both co-exist peacefully. I disagree with your beliefs, but I don't belittle you for them. I would think you could act like an adult as well and peacefully co-exist with me. If not, ignore me. I think the discussions are more lively when people do not have a "follow the herd mentality".
If you can find money in this budget for mass transit, I wish you well, the facts are there is no money in the City, less need (by the masses, reference the JCCI study for yourself), and I think it is humorous to keep beating this dead horse, so I make light of it. Nothing wrong with it, just my 2 cents.
Let's just keep it lively!
QuoteI choose to live in a city because I want to be near parks where I can run and relax. I want to be able to walk to a neighborhood library where I can check out books for free instead of buying them. I want to be able to recycle because I care about the environment, even though it might cost a bit more. I would love to get rid of my car and use effective mass transit. I like being around others and supporting my friends in their small business ventures. I enjoy attending the symphony and city events like the jazz festival. I live in a city because I love it.
Be near the parks, great, we have a fantastic park system, finding one should be no problem (check). We have many new libraries, you can walk from Avondale to 1) Murray Hill, 2)Riverside, 3) Downtown, if you had to, as walking is more fun when it is 110 degree heat index. Better hurry though, we may have to shut them down without enough funding. Recycling is cool, how much of what you throw away is recycled? There is no value in plastic right now, it costs more to recycle plastic than it does to purchase new virgin plastic pellets. I would not be suprised to learn that if the City is not dumping plastic, the company doing the recycling is just holding onto them for a new economy. Get out, ride your bike, enjoy our moderate ozone for now. Its a good time to be outside, love the city and all its eccentricities. Go see the Suns play, head to the beach, take a boat ride, we can do all of these great things here. We are the LARGEST CITY in the United States, we can all find things we like and dislike, but we all care, which is why we share.
Quote from: mtraininjax on June 30, 2009, 11:26:11 AM
Cut it all out. Would BJP pass today if we had to do it all over again? It passed 52 to 48, but I am thinking it would be more like 30 to 70 now.
I bet it would pass if folks knew what it paid for....the City has done a very poor job in touting what has been built w/ BJP funds...Tallahassee and Pinellas put permanent signs on every road letting people know that improvements were funded with sales tax revenues.
Bet you'd be surprised to find out that 20 road projcts have been built and another 8 are under construction...plus 4 that are in design or ROW phase....and then add the new libraries, arena, baseball stadium, nd courthouse that is finally under construction.
All that for an extra 1/2 cent on every dollar....seems like a pretty good deal to me!
Tufsu1 I have seen many of these signs posted on road projects(BJP). I doubt many people pay attention to them though unless your a metrojacksonville member :0)
sure Keith...but that is while its under construction....I'm talking about permanent road signs that stay up after the project is complete
Doubt the city would see a need to keep them posted, although a good idea.
Brainstomer â€" Sorry for the delay in responding to you. Please find below our responses to the great issues and questions you raised. Let’s keep up the dialogue.
Budget Concerns with Immediate Savings:
1. In 2009 the city budgeted an additional 1.5 million for consulting fees to money managers of the general employee pension fund. (page 208) I ask why this excessive increase? Can we cut back at least a million?
In looking at the FY 2009/2010 budget, you will see the mayor has proposed a $2.7 million decrease in such fees. This is a result of a change in money managers.
2. The city council alone is budgeted 18 million. (page 244) This seems outrageous!!! Do council members really need all of these secretaries and expense accounts? I think cutting 8-10 million off the top would be a good start. If council members can't deal with that, then they should resign.
The proposed City Council budget for FY 09/10 is $9.5 million â€" far less than the number you refer to above. However, we will defer to the City Council on detailed issues related to their budget.
3. The Finance Department's expenditures have quadrupled since 2007 to over 200 million!!! What has caused this huge increase? (page 276) Can we cut say 50 million and still continue to pay off debt?
The increased expenditures are predominantly related to capital financing through the Banking Fund â€" refer to page #283 of the 2009 printed budget document. The Banking Fund is a centralized source of financing for capital (computer equipment, vehicle replacement, Fire and Rescue equipment, Sheriffs Office equipment, etc.) items and saves the city considerable amounts of interest expense based on the premise that the city can borrow money at a lesser rate than most installment or lease purchase agreements.
4. According to the budget (page 355), the Planning and Development Department barely existed in 2007. In 2009 it suddenly accounted for 22 million in expenditures. This department went from 60 positions to 238 and also included 6,355 budgeted part time hours. Why the sudden explosion in this department and how is this affecting the city? I haven't noticed our city becoming that much better since 2007. Can we cut 7 million here?
The reorganization of government functions, which was part of the 2008 budget, resulted in moving the Building Inspection Division and Development Management Plan and Permit review functions into the Planning Department dramatically changing the size and budget of the department.
Additional Budget Areas with Potential Savings
1. I agree, the pension thing must be fixed immediately.
Thank you for that. That’s why pension reform is an important part of the mayor’s three-part plan.
2. The city gives out 30 million in grants to the community. (pages 65-74) After looking at the list there are some that seem unneeded. Let's revisit who we give grants to and make sure the money is being spent wisely. I say we could cut at least 5-10 million in grants and not do much damage.
The page numbers you reference relate to grants received by the city, primarily from state and federal sources. Last year the city budgeted approximately $3.2 million in matching funds to draw down $30 million from outside sources â€" a 10 to 1 yield on General Fund money. The grants are used for everything from parks and community development to public safety investments to supervisor of elections activities.
3. The Concurrency Management system should be able to absorb at least some cuts because of the decrease in area development. (page 89)
The concurrency management system is a self supporting fund and does not impact the General Fund â€" no opportunity for General Fund savings here.
4. Let's rethink the JHFA and do some cutting there as well. This relatively new department has many potential savings. Things we like, but don't need. It only helps a small number of citizens and many non-profits offer similar programs.
This is a self supporting activity and does not have any General Fund impact.
5. Jacksonville Children's Commission accounts for 30 million of the budget. (page 317) We all love children, but there is some "fluff" in this department that isn't really doing a lot of good. Don't cut the whole department but 5-8 million isn't going to hurt it much.
The Jacksonville Children’s Commission budget in the proposed FY 09/10 General Fund is approximately $21.9, slightly less than the current year budget. A cut of $5 to $8 million would mean reduced services to kids by at least 25 percent. This would mean a drop in children served from 17,822 to 13,412. That means about 4,500 fewer kids in after school programs, mental health care, mentoring, drop out prevention, services for homeless kids, summer camps, etc. If you have specific ideas about where to cut the $5 to $8 million, let me know and we can respond with better specificity.
6. The mayor needs to take a look at overtime for city employees in all departments. This is costing the city millions and in some cases it might be cheaper to hire a new "cheap" employee under a new less costly pension plan so that some of these folks at the top of the pay scale aren't raping the city for time and a half overtime charges. I would also think about an employee incentive plan for a strong work ethic. I personally get paid a set salary and if I don't get my work done during the day, I take it home and do it on my own time. What a concept huh? I'll be honest, you have some lazy, worthless employees who are abusing our taxpayer money. Let's start firing those who can't quite cut it.
Overtime is a planned, budgeted line-item to allow for the rapid deployment of personnel during extraordinary events (i.e., hurricanes). In many cases, it is better to budget for overtime rather than keep idle employees on the payroll fulltime. In addition, the JSO has used overtime to accommodate both a lack of personnel in the jail system and to put more officers on the street until full-time officers can trained and deployed. The city did increase the JSO overtime budget in the FY 08/09 budget to address a rising crime rate and allow the Sheriff to initiate Operations Safe Streets (OSS). The approach in last year’s budget was to hire new officers while allowing for overtime as needed to immediately address the crime problem and adequately staff OSS. The new officers (both patrol and corrections) hired last year are now moving into the force. As a result, the proposed FY 09/10 budget will include a $6.0 million reduction in the JSO overtime budget. Additionally, one of the issues at the Collective Bargaining negotiations this year will be to remove contract provisions which have in some cases resulted in an institutionalized over use of overtime.
7. Many people feel that administrative people like yourself and many administrative secretaries are paid too much. I would say anyone making over $75,000 should take an 8% pay cut.
There are various opinions at play as it pertains to salaries of government employees. The collective bargaining process this year will address issues related to employee compensation such as furloughs which will impact every public sector employee regardless of their at-will or civil service status with the exception of uniformed officers in Police, Corrections and Fire. We will also be addressing employee health insurance and pension contributions and a series of other cost saving measures related to employees.
8. At least 5-8 million could be saved by cutting AMIO salaries and eliminating many of these positions that are redundant. http://jaxpolitics.wordpress.com/2009/05/03/city-special-appointees-still-raking-in-the-money/ I wish I could have had a 20-30% raise last year.
The perception that AMIO’s are just employees sitting around with nothing to do is simply incorrect. They are an integral part of the workforce and key to the effective management of city government. Our HR group has conducted job audits and industry wide comparables to insure these positions are serving in an effective capacity. This “at-will†band of the workforce allows for flexibility in the management of the workforce.
9. Hanna and Huguenot Parks account for 2.5 million in budgeted dollars. This seems very unfair when you look at the neglect of so many other parks in the city. I say cut their budgets or at least distribute the funds to other parks in the city. Hogan's Creek really needs some help.
Hanna and Hugenot Park have an entry fee that creates a revenue component that is not so prevalent in other parks. This $2.5 million reflects the revenue collected at those two parks. This revenue cannot be diverted to other parks.
As to your comment about the park system generally, the mayor agrees with you. The city of Jacksonville spends $46 per person on parks. That ranks us dead last in Florida among large urban cities and counties on parks spending. The next lowest in Florida â€" Miami/Dade County â€" spends $100 per person. This underinvestment does not allow us to fully capture the value of Jacksonville’s park system and create the neighborhood centers of pride our citizens deserve.
Tune in tonight. 2013-694 A bigger TV for city council.
Free Parking
New comfy chairs.
Expanded drinking zone.
Turn it Up.
No Shoes
No Shirt
No Money
No Problems- Visit Jacksonville
But greater restrictions to our St. johns River our American Heritage River a FEDERAL Initiative in our new highly restricted DIA zone. LPS- Let People Succeed.
So you felt the need to bump a 4 year old post to continue the ramblings on waterways and public trust?
Yes.
Jacksonville Waterways Commission meeting just 6 1/2 hours out. Will there be a FIND update on the agenda? For our citizens. Our property tax money. How about the gillnet ban issue for an emergency resolution that has been requested by citizens?
Anyone want to donate a buck to 2009-442? the artificial reef trust fund? Very positive.
MJ'ers and you know who you are when we have all given up asking you know who about you know what.