JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The month-long process of reviewing the $1.18 billion budget Mayor Lenny Curry proposed for the new year began Thursday with the City Council Finance Committee hearing from Sheriff Mike Williams and Jacksonville Fire-Rescue Chief Kurtis Wilson about the two biggest line items in the budget.
The meeting began with the sobering news that revenue for next year might be $4 million short of projections because special tax money limited to spending on downtown projects was budgeted to the entire city. Council members were told they could rectify that by waiving the law.
Williams is asking for $424 million -- 39 percent of the total city budget. That includes money for 40 new officers and 40 new community service officers. The Sheriff's Office budget proposal calls for a $2 million increase from last year for the additional salaries.
"In past years we've gone through some incredibly tough budget times and lots of people being cut," Williams said. "We are really recovering from that now, in terms of our budget."
DOCUMENT: Proposed 2016-17 budget
UNCUT: Mayor's budget address
Wilson is expected to defend his $222 million budget request -- a 5 percent increase from last year. The cost increases are mostly due to the city assuming the coast of 12 firefighters that were be paid by a federal grand that has expired and overtime expenses.
Pension costs for both police and fire will increase in the new year.
"I am thankful we are not talking layoffs," Wilson said. "(The) mayor has said all along we are pro-public safety. We are part of that. So it was important in meetings that we move forward. Some of the things you see in the budget is an investment in that."
Council members had no significant push back for either Williams or Williams, although there were questions about crime in Hemming Park.
"We currently have six officers that work downtown on the walking beat in and around Hemming Plaza, but there is a concern," Williams responded.
The budget review must be completed in time for the full council to vote on the budget in late September. The new budget must be in place by Oct. 1. Despite the budget increases, the 2016-17 budget will be funded without a property tax increase.