This week, I presented my fourth budget as mayor of Jacksonville.
This year’s budget continues to reflect the core principles that have guided me since taking office, and keeps important promises I made to the people of this city – all without a tax increase.
The General Fund budget I’m proposing is just over $1.2 billion, which is an increase of nearly $33 million over last year. This growth is the result of both our hardworking taxpayers and the pension reform solution we implemented last year. Because of this, we are in a position to make major investments in the future of our city.
A few of the highlights included in this year’s proposal include:
- A $30+ million increase for the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office for their operations, including funding for a Real-time Crime Center.
- $17 million increase for the Fire & Rescue Department, to fund additional personnel, fire stations, and rescue units.
- $1.7 million for 60 additional therapist positions at Duval County Schools, in partnership with DCPS and the United Way of Northeast Florida, ensuring access to mental health and wellness support.
- Funding for expanded library hours, new personnel, and $850,000 for new materials.
- Investments in upgrades for parks, facilities, dock and boat launch repairs, and additional maintenance staff.
In addition, our Capital Improvement Plan demonstrates my commitment to our infrastructure over the next 5 years:
- 6-year, $120 million capital improvement program for improvements to city-owned facilities at UF Health.
- $12.5 million for the removal of the Hart Bridge ramps, a project that will help improve downtown and lead to great economic development opportunities.
- 5-year, $25 million program for capital improvements at the city-owned Jacksonville Zoo.
- 3-year, $10.8 million program to restore and reclaim the historical significance of neglected Pinehurst, Memorial, Sunset, Hillside and Mt. Olive cemeteries.
- 4-year, $60.3 million for the Emerald Necklace development along McCoy’s Creek, providing for improved drainage and additional greenspace around our urban core.
- $6 million in additional drainage system rehabilitation funding, bolstering the $25.2 million in drainage projects currently in the works.
- $2.75 million for crosswalks and pedestrian safety improvements
- $12.3 million for roadway resurfacing and $9.53 million for sidewalk construction and repairs, strengthening ADA compliance
This budget makes major investments in the future of our city in priorities like public safety, youth initiatives, and neighborhoods. I am grateful for this opportunity to serve and look forward to working with City Council as we implement a budget that wisely uses taxpayer resources for the benefit of all citizens and communities.
View the 2018-2019 Proposed Annual Budget
View the 2019-2023 Proposed Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)
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