Council Poised to Adopt Spending Plan

JACKSONVILLE, FL-- The City Council is poised to approve a $982 million spending plan following several weeks of trying to cut spending and hold the line on property taxes.

The proposed budget calls for the first millage rate increase in 17 years. The owner of a home assessed at $145,000 faces paying $75 more a year.

Mayor John Peyton in July proposed a $994 million budget that he said could meet the city's needs. The mayor at the same time launched his "Fix It Now" campaign to promote the need for a tax increase to maintain essential services.

"It's been a tough road. It's been an interesting process," said Council Don Redman, who served on the Finance Committee charged with trying to cut spending.

During exhaustive examination of city spending, the Council identified areas that will get more attention during the coming year.

The use of assistant management improvement officers got the Council's attention as nearly 200 "appointed employees" are on the payroll.

These employees are hired by city departments to fill needs, but no formal process is in place since they are not civil service positions.

City Councilwoman Glorious Johnson is proposing legislation to limit use AMIOs to a maximum of twenty at a time.

"Just want accountability," said Johnson, who also wants the Council to be involved in a confirmation process.

The Mayor's office says it will propose changes as well, as the Council plans to take a harder look at the use of appointed employees.

To read the full proposed city budget, CLICK HERE.

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