Press Releases

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January 2, 2025
CM Matt Carlucci Introduces Two Bills to Solve the Mounting Solid-Waste Fund Debt
 
JACKSONVILLE, FL – City Council Member Matt Carlucci has introduced two critical pieces of legislation aimed at addressing Jacksonville’s growing solid-waste fund debt. These proposals tackle the City’s unsustainable annual deficit in residential garbage pickup and provide a path to financial stability while safeguarding low-income residents from potential fee increases.
“We cannot continue down this path of mounting debt,” said CM Carlucci. “These bills offer a sustainable solution to ensure our solid-waste services are adequately funded while addressing the needs of our most vulnerable residents.” Residents in Jacksonville currently pay $12.65 per month for solid waste services, far below the actual cost of residential garbage pickup. To bridge this gap, the City has been “loaning” itself the necessary funds each year, with the intention of repayment. This growing loan is projected to reach $100 million by the end of this fiscal year and could balloon to half a billion dollars by 2030 if no action is taken.
 
The first bill proposes aligning the solid-waste fee with the actual cost of service, which Council Auditors have calculated to be $30.40 per month. The Council will consider whether to implement this adjustment in one step or phase it in over several years to minimize the financial impact on residents.
 
The second bill establishes an exemption program for low-income residents, modeled after the City’s existing Stormwater Fee Exemption program. Under this proposal, qualifying residents will be shielded from fee increases, ensuring they are not adversely impacted by the changes. “I am particularly excited about the low-income exemption,” said CM Carlucci. “For those who cannot afford the solid-waste fee today, this proposal will actually leave them better off than they were before.”
 
CM Carlucci plans to file the bills for the first City Council meeting of January, and visiting each of the City’s Citizen Planning Advisory Councils (CPACs) this month to discuss these bills with community members, each of which can be found here.
 
“This is about financial responsibility and fairness,” he added. “We’re taking decisive action to prevent this debt from spiraling out of control while ensuring those in need are protected. I look forward to working with my colleagues and hearing from the public on these solutions.”
 
For more information on the proposed legislation or to provide feedback, please contact the City Council Office of Matt Carlucci at (904) 255-5218.


January 23, 2023
Councilman Matt Carlucci Shared the following one-way communication withCouncil members today at 2:15 pm


Councilman Matt Carlucci Makes Statement On Strategic Plan and Monuments

March 17, 2022

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -  Statement from CM Matt Carlucci on Strategic Plan and Monuments

Yesterday, I filed new legislation concerning statuary and monuments glorifying the Confederacy and removal of such items from public property and public park spaces. The resolution requests the Mayor, City Administration, and City Council to produce and present a revised plan along with community conversation by July 26, 2022, and to cap any related appropriations at $500,000 for the purpose of removal.

As we all work together on this particular issue as outlined in Council’s strategic plan, follow up is critical. I recognize that facilitating a community conversation and developing a roadmap will take time and the July target is roughly three months away. So, I have offered this legislation as a next step in moving Jacksonville forward.

Resolution on Confederate Monuments

Councilman Matt Carlucci Makes Statement On Solid Waste Services in Jacksonville

January 25, 2022

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -  Statement from CM Matt Carlucci on Solid Waste Services
in Jacksonville

Solid waste services remain a major concern. This as a two-fold problem: (1) addressing labor market issues with our haulers and (2) addressing debt incurred due to solid waste fees only covering 70 to 80 percent of the cost of services. I would like to see a rate review process expedited.

Upcoming Town Hall Flyer

Councilman Matt Carlucci Makes Statement Regarding Accountability, Transparency, and the State of Solid Waste Services in Jacksonville

December 29, 2021
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Councilman Matt Carlucci makes statement regarding Accountability, Transparency, and the State of Solid Waste Services in Jacksonville.

Since the suspension of curbside recycling services beginning October 4, 2021, a satisfactory result has not yet been achieved in the collection of yard waste or recyclables. Because our city deserves better, additional conversation concerning the state of Jacksonville’s solid waste services are necessary to move toward solutions.

In an effort to shine light on this issue affecting citizens across our city, in mid-January, I will host an open-to-the-public noticed meeting at City Hall to discuss accountability, transparency, and expectations related to these fee-based solid waste services. Council members, representatives of our contracted haulers, and members of the Administration are invited to attend. The meeting will include a time for public comment.

Later in January and early February, I will also schedule two Town Hall meetings on this topic to open the discussion to the public and invite constructive feedback. The first Town Hall will be located in West Jacksonville and the second in East Arlington. These will be noticed meetings. Again, I encourage my City Council colleagues, the Administration, and/or representatives of our contracted haulers to attend. The goal in each of these meetings is to share information, receive feedback, set expectations, and discuss the restoration of recycling and when this will be accomplished.

As always, your comments and thoughts on this matter are welcomed. You may contact me at (904) 255-5159 or mcarlucci@coj.net.


Councilman Matt Carlucci Makes Statement On Confederate Monuments

October 6, 2021

Regarding the confederate statue in Springfield, I have reached the conclusion that it should be carefully dismantled, preserved, and stored until such a time that a new location may be found.

After welcoming many diverse opinions in recent months, I believe this is a necessary step. As a third term At-Large council member, I have had the opportunity and privilege to hear from a broad range of voices. For our city as a whole, I believe this will bring healing and help Jacksonville move ahead, keeping our eyes on the future.

As always, your comments and thoughts on this matter are welcomed.