The City of Jacksonville is set to begin a new fiscal year with a sound, balanced budget. Closely following voter approval of a pension reform plan, the Jacksonville City Council has approved the 2016-2017 annual budget of approximately $1 billion. The new budget contains increased funding in priority areas including public safety and neighborhood support without raising taxes.
“The approval of the 2016-2017 budget represents continued momentum that should give the people of Jacksonville renewed confidence about the direction in which our community is headed,” said Mayor Lenny Curry. “Last month, voters overwhelmingly supported pension reform to help forge a path to long-term financial stability. Now, with the continued support of City Council - our second consecutive year of presenting a balanced budget - we’ve achieved a budget for the next fiscal year that reflects not only our commitment to fiscal responsibility, but also our determination to improve public safety, enrich our neighborhoods and increase economic opportunities in Jacksonville. As mayor, I am incredibly proud and grateful for this level of teamwork and collaboration, and thank Council members for their thoughtful deliberation and work.”
The mayor shared highlights from his proposed budget at a special City Council budget presentation held in July. The highlights included a focus on key priorities such as strengthening public safety and infrastructure. Using remaining funds from the 2015-2016 budget, City Council voted to appropriate additional money to budget items put forward by the mayor.
2016-2017 budget highlights include:
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$3.3 million for 40 new police officers and 40 new community service officers
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Funding for a body camera pilot program with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office
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$14 million for police vehicles
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$7.5 million for fire vehicles
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$122,000 to operate a new Jacksonville Mosquito Control Division helicopter
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$3 million for ash pollution remediation
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$11.5 million to expand the Trail Ridge Landfill
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$8.5 million for Americans with Disability Act compliance on curbs and ramps (increased from $5.5 million in the mayor’s proposed budget)
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$12 million for road resurfacing
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$2.25 million for countywide Parks and Recreation projects
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$6.15 million for countywide Drainage System Rehabilitation Projects (increased from $6 million in the mayor’s proposed budget)
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$6.8 million for a Lower Eastside drainage project
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$2.2 million for Trout River/ Moncrief drainage projects (increased from $2.1 million in the mayor’s proposed budget)
The 2016-2017 budget will go into effect Oct. 1.
About the City of Jacksonville
The City of Jacksonville is the largest city by land mass in the continental United States, serving approximately 850,000 residents. Located in Duval County, City of Jacksonville leadership includes the mayor and a 19-member City Council. To learn more about the City of Jacksonville, visit COJ.net.