JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville City Council members are set to take up a high-stakes vote Tuesday on whether to override Mayor Donna Deegan’s veto of Ordinance 2025-872, a measure that would shift some appointment power for two city-related boards from the mayor’s office to the City Council president.
The veto override vote was added to the agenda on the meeting addendum. The bill was initially introduced in November.
Recommended Videos
An override would require a two-thirds vote of the full council.
What the ordinance would change
The legislation targets appointments to the Kids Hope Alliance (KHA) Board and the Jacksonville Public Library Board of Trustees, splitting appointment authority between the mayor and the council president — with all appointments still requiring City Council confirmation.
Currently, the appointments all rest with the mayor and council approval.
If it were to become law:
Kids Hope Alliance Board (7 members)
- 4 members appointed by the mayor, confirmed by City Council
- 3 members appointed by the council president, confirmed by City Council
Jacksonville Public Library Board of Trustees (12 members)
- The mayor appoints 7 members (one from each of the five at-large groups, plus two at-large seats)
- The council president appoints 5 members (one from each of the five at-large groups)
- All appointments would still be subject to City Council confirmation.
Why it’s raised questions: separation of powers
Supporters argue the changes create more shared governance and a bigger role for council leadership in shaping boards that oversee major public services.
Opponents have framed it as a separation-of-powers dispute, saying the ordinance chips away at traditional executive appointment authority held by the mayor’s office.
Council members are expected to debate that balance Tuesday as they consider whether to override the mayor’s veto.
In a statement, Council Member Rahman Johnson said he plans to vote to uphold the mayor’s veto, after previously voting for the ordinance when it passed.
Johnson said a deeper review led him to believe the ordinance is “well-intentioned,” but needs more work before becoming law.
“Leadership is not about defending yesterday’s vote. Leadership is about making today’s best decision,” Johnson said.
He added that institutions like Kids Hope Alliance and the library board “deserve thoughtful transitions that protect continuity and public confidence.”
Tuesday’s vote will determine whether the ordinance takes effect over the mayor’s objections — or whether council sustains the veto, leaving the current appointment structure in place.
News4JAX will be at City Hall and will update this story with what council members say during debate and the outcome of the vote.