RNC preparations cost city of Jacksonville $154,000 President Trump canceled Republican Convention in city due to covoronavirus surge No description found
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Despite the fact that the Republican National Convention moved to Jacksonville earlier this summer never took place here, the city still spent thousands of dollars on planning.
Auditors determined that more than $153,602.68 was spent on planning the event -- with 45% that on overtime pay to Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office employees and another 45% to an outside firm hired to help secure federal grants. The remaining 10% of the money went to overtime to Jacksonville Fire-Rescue and other city employees.
The convention was scheduled the week of Aug. 24 after the previous host inside the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena and other sites around the Sports Complex. In late July, President Donal Trump canceled the Jacksonville events due to coronavirus cases surging locally and across Florida.
Mayor Lenny Curry stated numerous times that Jacksonville would not be on the hook for any costs. Asking his office to see if any of this money will be reimbursed by the Republican Party, the RNC Host Committee or the federal government, the mayor’s, chief of staff, Jordan Elsbury, released this statement Thursday morning:
“The City of Jacksonville prepared for this event like we do with any special event, storm situation, or public safety activity. Just like The Jazz Festival, Rolling Stones concert, other special events, and storm systems that haven’t come to pass, the City prepares to ensure the public safety of our citizens. The expenses outlined are for staff time of individuals whose job it is to prepare for such an event, and federal grant compliance activity to ensure all city expenses are documented and allowable under the federal grant requirements. The City of Jacksonville will continue to prepare and plan for all events.”
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