Local

JSO additional funding still under consideration

Just a few days to go until Jacksonville’s Mayor presents his budget outline to the City Council, and we’re told some of the spending decisions are still under consideration.

WOKV asked Chief Administrative Officer Karen Bowling about an $8 million request from Jacksonville’s Sheriff to fund and outfit 40 new officers and 40 new community service officers.  While Bowling told me it looks like that request will be honored, the Mayor’s Office since backtracked, saying it has not yet been plugged in to the budget and meetings are ongoing.

An increase in several revenue sources, including more taxable property and a rise in the value of taxable property, has left the City with some money to use for investment. Some of those investments are, in fact, set in the working outline, like more funding for Public Works for things like mowing.  I’m told “enhancements”- like the new funding for JSO- are still under discussion.

The Sheriff’s Office tells us the talks are still ongoing and they have no further comment.

The current outline does not include layoffs, although the City could not immediately comment on whether any vacant positions will be cut.

WOKV continues to press for more information about the budget and its impact on you. We will have team coverage Monday morning when the Mayor’s full proposal is formally unveiled. Following the proposal, Jacksonville’s City Council will comb through everything and approve the final allocation by the end of September.

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