Jacksonville City Council to Discuss $1.7 Billion Budget and Select Top Priorities Tuesday

JACKSONVILLE, Florida. – The Jacksonville City Council will meet for the first time on Tuesday under the leadership of the city’s newly elected mayor.

Mayor Donna Deegan presented her $1.7 billion budget to the Jacksonville City Council earlier this month.

One of the first items to be introduced will be the creation of a new public security post, the Security Officer of the Council. The duties of the officer will include overseeing the safety of council members and staff.

READ: You can read Mayor Deegan’s full Budget Address here. | You can see the full budget proposal here

The work will also include the implementation of a security risk management plan for city hall and other places the council uses for public gatherings or events.

In the proposed ruling, council members specifically highlight the increased threats to public officials and employees at the state and national level. It also mentions concerns raised by more than a dozen employees about interactions at board meetings.

In December, someone shot through the window of the fourth floor of the mayor’s office. According to a city hall source, the city hall window was broken when the blinds were raised. A City Council official found several 9mm shell casings in James Weldon Johnson Park after the shooting.

Connected: Mayor Donna Deegan presents a $1.7 billion budget to City Council.

Florida also passed a new constitutional carry law that no longer requires gun owners to obtain a concealed carry license.

These are just a few of the reasons why some city council members are pushing for increased security measures. If the bill moves forward, the personnel committee will appoint a council security officer.

A new security plan will be created to reduce potential threats around City Hall. The sheriff will oversee a separate location where the city council will hold meetings outside City Hall in case of threats. A decision on this proposal is not expected on Tuesday evening.

Another priority to discuss would be the possible relocation of the Duval County Jail and the construction of a new one.

The meeting will take place on Tuesday at 17:00. Pending city council approval, the budget will go into effect on October 1.

Copyright 2023 by WJXT News4JAX – All rights reserved.

Content Source