JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Duval County Supervisor of Elections Office saved nearly $900,000 last year and is seeking to apply that money toward paying down about $1.5 million in debt.
Supervisor of Elections Jerry Holland said in a news release his office made $898,105 in operational savings last fiscal year and filed legislation with the Jacksonville City Council to apply those savings to its outstanding debt.
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As of Jan. 28, the elections office had just less than $1.5 million in debt after the purchase of new voting machines needed for the 2012 presidential election, according to the release. Applying the nearly $900,000 in savings would cut the debt by nearly two-thirds, leaving just less than $570,000.
"We have worked hard to be wise stewards of taxpayer funds for which the people of Duval County have entrusted with us," Holland said. "I believe if an elected official is able to realize budgetary savings, the fiscally responsible thing to do is to use the monies to get out of debt. I hope the council will agree."
The legislation is scheduled to be introduced at the council meeting Tuesday. From there it will be reviewed by the finance committee on March 5 and is scheduled to be considered for a vote by the full council on March 12.