DIA wants Shipyards settlement money

[thelakelander]

Can't say that I blame them.  The money was originally intended for a downtown project.

By David Chapman, Staff Writer

Last year, City Council took $5 million slated for Downtown economic development and applied it toward holes in the city budget.

Now, the Downtown Investment Authority would like that money back — and a lot more.

The authority's board Wednesday passed a resolution staking its claim for the entire $13.4 million settlement set to come from the developer of the failed Shipyards project, which is in Downtown.

The resolution asks for $5 million taken last year be restored. The other $8.4 million would be used to remedy any environmental concerns, with the rest placed in the authority's economic development fund.

Early sentiment was mixed on whether the group should ask for the entire balance or just the $5 million taken last year.

full article: http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=542848

[AuditoreEnterprise]

From what I read there in the statement it seems that they borrowed the money for the shipyard, and then used it for other stuff. Misappropriation is a problem that has been around for a very very long time. I think they should claim the entire settlement to be honest, because it's the principal of the matter, not the money. Maybe it will make the city think twice before pulling that stunt again.

[CityLife]

This is going to be an ugly political battle to watch unfold. Brown's chances in the next election will be heavily tied to his success downtown. Several councilmembers will want to ensure that he does not succeed and will probably try to shoot this down...even if it is in the best interest of the city and taxpayers.

Should be interesting to see how it plays out.

[AuditoreEnterprise]

This is going to be an ugly political battle to watch unfold. Brown's chances in the next election will be heavily tied to his success downtown. Several councilmembers will want to ensure that he does not succeed and will probably try to shoot this down...even if it is in the best interest of the city and taxpayers.

Should be interesting to see how it plays out.

Sad, but true... I mean term limit hits next go around right? by the time he is down a new mayor get's to christen the city. I would really hate to see them do that.

[mtraininjax]

Brown's chances in the next election will be heavily tied to his success downtown.

Says who? There are only 3000 residents there and how many "registered" voters. Sorry, but most people in Mandarin could care less about downtown. Most never travel there because it is "dangerous". DIA better lobby like hell to get their hands on any money with a budget having as many holes as it does. JSO will be after money for more officers, JFRD after money for more fire trucks, Public Works after the money to add new equipment.

I don't see DIA getting all that they ask for, as in the "election year" Brown needs to throw enough money around the  area to help "secure" votes.  Sorry DIA, you get screwed in an election year!

[Cheshire Cat]

This is going to be an ugly political battle to watch unfold. Brown's chances in the next election will be heavily tied to his success downtown. Several councilmembers will want to ensure that he does not succeed and will probably try to shoot this down...even if it is in the best interest of the city and taxpayers.

Should be interesting to see how it plays out.

The City Council has also jump started their own meetings/research on this years budget.  They are not waiting on the mayor this time.  That being said, we can be sure that any sizable amounts of money coming into the city will be scrutinized and debated. 

The Sheriff is asking for much of the funding back that he lost last budget cycle which cost him 150 officers.  If anyone has been watching the news, shootings, murders and other crime, much associated with drugs has been off the charts the last few weeks and people are becoming outraged.  As already said, this is going to be an interesting debate with regard to how these funds will be spent.

[Cheshire Cat]

Looks like MTrain and I had a mind meld on the JSO. 

[mtraininjax]

Diane - I am humbled to be mentioned by you! Thank you.

DIA, sorry, if the city was flush with cash, you would not get raided, but there are more holes in the city budget than in the roof of the Bostwick Building!

[AuditoreEnterprise]

Diane - I am humbled to be mentioned by you! Thank you.

DIA, sorry, if the city was flush with cash, you would not get raided, but there are more holes in the city budget than in the roof of the Bostwick Building!

hahaha +1 just for the metaphor

[Cheshire Cat]

Diane - I am humbled to be mentioned by you! Thank you.

DIA, sorry, if the city was flush with cash, you would not get raided, but there are more holes in the city budget than in the roof of the Bostwick Building!

Yes, I am sure you are.  Hehehehe... 

[John P]

The city can get more ROI on $13 million in downtown than mandarin. mandarins tax base isn't really going to get bigger but downtown's can expand enourmously.

[mtraininjax]

The city can get more ROI on $13 million in downtown than mandarin. mandarins tax base isn't really going to get bigger but downtown's can expand enourmously.

LOL! Go look at the economics of the city, far more campaign donors in Mandarin with money than there are downtown. Forget what makes sense, follow the money in a campaign season! A new fire station here, a new wave of resources there, the mayor will be buying donations and votes with lollipops all over town.

The right thing is to keep the money downtown, but when does the city ever do the right thing?

[edjax]

Well the One good thing now is that Mandarin has a councilman who pretty much despises Brown.  So if the constituents listen to their coincilman they will be running from Brown.

[AuditoreEnterprise]

They actually talked about this a bit today. From what I understood it has been placed in a trust fund and nobody has laid claim to it yet. The lady mentioned that it will be integrated into the general fund somehow, but when they said they were going to adjourn the meeting every started to scramble and I couldn't really hear her.

[mtraininjax]

The lady mentioned that it will be integrated into the general fund somehow

Meaning, it will disappear, but someone will end up with shiny new trucks, and more people on the street and we will all know where the money came from and poor DIA.....