Finance Committee

Summary

This ordinance, introduced by Council Member Diamond, amends the City's Budget and Accounting Code (Chapter 106) to significantly reduce the Mayor's authority to transfer funds. Specifically, it limits the Mayor's ability to transfer funds between agency, non-department, or department line items to $100,000 per fiscal year, down from the current $500,000. Additionally, the Mayor's authority to transfer funds among capital improvement projects approved by the Council is also capped at $100,000. These changes aim to provide greater Council oversight over budgetary transfers. The ordinance also removes the requirement that such transfers must be for a specific purpose, project, or issue.

Citizen Impact

This ordinance will increase Council oversight on how city funds are moved between departments and projects, potentially leading to more transparent budget management. The reduction in the Mayor's unilateral transfer power means fewer funds can be moved without explicit Council approval.

Confidence

high

Summary

This ordinance approves a settlement agreement between the City of Jacksonville and Live Oak Ancient City Living, LLC, concerning fines imposed by the Municipal Code Enforcement Board/Special Magistrate on the Laura Street Trio properties (51 W. Forsyth Street, 47 W. Forsyth Street, and 117 N. Laura Street). The agreement aims to facilitate the Developer's purchase and rehabilitation of these historic buildings. The Developer is required to bring the properties into compliance within 48 months of the agreement's execution. Upon achieving compliance, the City will release the liens in exchange for a settlement amount, which varies based on the compliance timeline: $1,500 for compliance within 12 months, $2,500 for compliance within 18 months, or $4,000 for compliance within 48 months. The Municipal Code Compliance Division of the Neighborhoods Department will oversee the agreement. The ordinance also requests emergency passage due to the Developer's need for the agreement to be effective prior to their purchase.

Citizen Impact

This agreement allows for the rehabilitation of historic buildings in downtown Jacksonville, potentially resolving existing code violations. Residents can expect to see progress on the Laura Street Trio properties, with the fines being settled upon successful renovation.

Confidence

high

Summary

This ordinance (2025-361) authorizes a one-time Retired Employee Adjustment payment of $1,250.00 to retirees and beneficiaries of the City of Jacksonville's Correctional Officers, General Employees, and Police and Fire Pension Funds. This payment is intended to help offset the impact of recent high inflation on costs such as food, energy, healthcare, and insurance. The funding for these payments will come from the Pension Liability Surtax, ensuring no direct impact on the General Fund. Eligibility requires being on the pension payroll as of January 3, 2025, or being an eligible beneficiary of someone who was. Payments will be made as soon as administratively practicable, but no later than the second pay period after the ordinance becomes effective. The Administrator of the General Employees’ Pension Plan and the Executive Director of the Police and Fire Pension Plan are responsible for certifying eligibility and amounts to the City's Chief Financial Officer.

Citizen Impact

Eligible retirees and beneficiaries will receive a $1,250 one-time payment to help with increased living costs due to inflation. This payment is funded through a dedicated surtax, meaning no additional taxes will be levied on residents for this specific benefit.

Confidence

high

Summary

This ordinance, introduced by Council Member Carlucci and prepared by Dylan Reingold of the Office of General Counsel, amends Section 602.802 of the Jacksonville Ethics Code. The amendment specifically targets lobbying activities by prohibiting lobbyists or lobbying principals from making, and the Mayor and Council Members from knowingly accepting, any direct or indirect payment, distribution, loan, advance, reimbursement, deposit, or anything of value for the purpose of lobbying.

Key Provisions:

• Prohibition on Payments: Lobbyists and lobbying principals cannot provide any form of financial value to the Mayor or Council Members for lobbying purposes.
• Prohibition on Acceptance: The Mayor and Council Members cannot knowingly accept such payments.
• Exclusions: This prohibition does not apply to contributions or expenditures reported under Chapter 106, Florida Statutes, or federal election law, campaign-related personal services by volunteers, contributions to political parties, or expenditures by organizations exempt under 26 U.S.C. s. 527 or s. 501(c)(4).
• Data Usage Restriction: Information from lobbyist registration statements cannot be sold or used for soliciting campaign contributions, selling tickets to fundraising events, or for commercial purposes.

Effective Date: Upon signature by the Mayor or becoming effective without signature.

Citizen Impact

This ordinance aims to enhance ethical conduct by preventing potential conflicts of interest between lobbyists and city officials. It clarifies what constitutes prohibited financial interactions related to lobbying activities, promoting greater transparency in government.

Confidence

high

Summary

This ordinance authorizes amendments to the Redevelopment Agreement (RDA) and the Museum Improvements Costs Disbursement Agreement between the City, the Downtown Investment Authority (DIA), and the Museum of Science and History (MOSH). The key changes include:

• Reduced Parking Obligation: The requirement for parking spaces for the museum is reduced from 75 to a minimum of 30 spaces.
• Alignment of Performance Schedules: The timelines for MOSH's obligations, including design, construction drawings, permit submittal, and project completion, are extended. The museum completion date is now January 30, 2029, with construction commencement no later than September 1, 2026.
• Administrative Approval of Parcel Descriptions: The CEO of the DIA, the Director of Public Works, and the Director of Parks, Recreation & Community Services are authorized to administratively approve final legal descriptions for the Project Parcel, Joint-Use Parcel, and Park Parcel, provided there is no reduction in the area or quality of the Joint-Use/Partnership and Park Parcels.
• City Oversight: The Department of Public Works will oversee the museum and CIP projects, while the Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Services will oversee park design.

The amendments are intended to align with current estimates and allow MOSH to proceed with the project, which involves constructing a museum of at least 75,000 gross square feet on approximately 2.5 acres, along with associated park and Riverwalk improvements on a total of 7.23 acres.

Citizen Impact

Residents will see a reduction in the required parking spaces for the new museum development. The project's timeline has been extended, with the museum completion now set for January 30, 2029, and city departments will provide oversight for the museum and park construction.

Confidence

high

Summary

This ordinance authorizes the Mayor and Corporation Secretary to execute an Amended Settlement Agreement that modifies a previous settlement agreement dated March 1, 1994, concerning the City's billboard regulations. This amendment resolves a lawsuit filed in 2024 by Scenic Jacksonville against B&B Advertising Company and Outfront Media, LLC. The original 1994 agreement, and subsequent modifications in 2000 and 2019, aimed to reduce the number of billboards. The new agreement requires Outfront Media, LLC to remove three specific billboards within 90 days of the effective date and transfer their permits to Scenic Jacksonville. It also eliminates a previous prohibition on the future transfer of certain billboards, allowing Outfront Media to sell, assign, or transfer remaining billboards to third parties, provided those parties agree to the terms of this agreement. The City Council's approval is a condition for the agreement to take effect by March 31, 2026.

Citizen Impact

This agreement will result in the removal of three billboards and modifies regulations regarding the transfer of other billboards. Residents may see a reduction in the number of billboards in certain areas, particularly along the Arlington Expressway.

Confidence

high

Summary

This ordinance, Ordinance 2025-867, amends Section 122.604 of the City's Ordinance Code concerning the preparation and submission of the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The key change is to require that input from the Duval County School Board be requested and considered when the City develops its proposed Capital Improvement Plan. This aims to ensure that the needs and priorities of the school district, particularly regarding projects related to pedestrian and student safety, are understood and potentially incorporated into the City's long-term infrastructure planning. The ordinance was introduced by Council Member Howland and co-sponsored by numerous other council members. It passed with unanimous approval in subsequent readings and public hearings.

Citizen Impact

This change ensures that the needs of Duval County Public Schools will be considered during the City's Capital Improvement Plan development, potentially leading to more prioritized projects related to student safety and school infrastructure.

Confidence

high

Summary

This ordinance appropriates $25,000 from a Special Council Contingency Account to the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services (PRCM) Playgrounds & Centers - Computer Equipment Account. The funds are specifically designated for the purchase of computers for the Westside Community Center located in Council District 9. The Parks, Recreation & Community Services Department will oversee the project. This funding is part of a carry-over from Ordinance 2025-729-E to support strategic initiatives for the District 9 Council Member. The ordinance was introduced by CM Clark-Murray and co-sponsored by CM Johnson.

Citizen Impact

Residents using the Westside Community Center will benefit from new computer equipment, enhancing access to technology and resources at the facility.

Confidence

high

Summary

This ordinance appropriates $53,490 from the City's General Fund Operating Reserves to the University of North Florida (UNF) to support the UNF Military and Veterans Program. The funds will be used for capital improvements and equipment purchases for the UNF Military and Veterans Resource Center (MVRC) and to support the Military Spouse Career Readiness Summit.

Specific uses of the funds include:

• Two interactive electronic whiteboards for the MVRC ($12,796).
• A six-seat golf cart for transporting disabled veterans and supplies around campus ($19,000).
• Upgrades to the MVRC kitchen, including new cabinets, countertops, and appliances ($9,000).
• Support for the Military Spouse Career Readiness Summit, covering venue rental, audio-visual equipment, marketing, materials, and keynote speakers ($12,694).

The grant agreement between the City and UNF will be for the term of November 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. The Grants and Contract Compliance Division of the Finance Department will oversee the project.

Citizen Impact

This funding will directly benefit military-connected students at UNF by providing enhanced resources at the MVRC, including new technology and improved kitchen facilities. It will also support military spouses in Duval County by equipping them with tools for business ownership through the Career Readiness Summit.

Confidence

high

Summary

This ordinance appropriates a total of $9,400,000.00 from the Mobility Plan Project-Zone 04 Account for two key transportation infrastructure projects. Of this total, $4,400,000.00 is allocated to the Dunn Avenue at Braddock Road Signal Improvements project for traffic signalization at that intersection. An additional $5,000,000.00 is designated for the Pecan Park Road Widening project, specifically for engineering and design to widen the road between I-95 and Main Street. The ordinance also amends the 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) to reflect these appropriations and includes a waiver for Section 655.505 of the Ordinance Code, allowing more than 20% of Mobility Fees from Zone 4 to be allocated to the Braddock Road and Dunn Avenue intersection project. Furthermore, it authorizes the execution of a Locally Funded Agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for $4,200,000.00 towards the Dunn Avenue at Braddock Road intersection improvements. Oversight for these projects will be managed by the Engineering and Construction Management Division of the Department of Public Works.

Citizen Impact

Residents will benefit from improved traffic flow and safety at the Braddock Road and Dunn Avenue intersection and the widening of Pecan Park Road, which will accommodate increased traffic and improve drainage. The funding for these projects comes from existing mobility fees, meaning no new taxes are imposed on residents.

Confidence

high

Summary

This ordinance appropriates $3,000,000 from the General Fund Special Council Reserve to the Downtown Economic Development Fund. These funds are designated for the "Rise Doro" project, specifically to cover the Workforce Housing Completion Grant previously authorized by Ordinance 2024-633-E. The "Rise Doro" project involves the development of a multi-family residential apartment complex with a structured parking facility and retail/restaurant/lounge space. A key component of this project is the developer's commitment to set aside a portion of the residential units for workforce housing, including at least 15 two-bedroom units and 70 one-bedroom units. These workforce housing units will be subject to a Land Use Restrictive Agreement for a term of thirty years, setting forth maximum rents.

Citizen Impact

This action provides funding to support the development of workforce housing units within the "Rise Doro" project, aiming to increase housing affordability for residents. The project also includes retail and restaurant spaces, potentially boosting local amenities.

Confidence

high

Summary

This ordinance appropriates $27,780 from the General Fund Operating Lapse Contingency Account to the Office of Inspector General (OIG) – Financial and Administration account. This action restores funding to the OIG that was previously placed in a lapse contingency account as part of the City's Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget, pursuant to Ordinance 2025-504-E. The Special Committee on Duval DOGE reviewed the OIG's request and found sufficient justification to recommend the restoration of these funds, which represent a 2% operating lapse.

Citizen Impact

This measure restores funding to the Office of Inspector General, ensuring its continued ability to conduct financial oversight and audits, which indirectly benefits residents by promoting accountability in city government.

Confidence

high

Summary

This ordinance authorizes the Mayor to execute a Cost Reimbursement Agreement with JEA, not to exceed $600,000, to fund the relocation of JEA-owned electrical utilities. These relocations are necessary for the City's construction of a railroad sidetrack within the Cecil Commerce Center. The agreement specifies that the City will reimburse JEA for actual direct costs incurred, up to the $600,000 cap. The Office of Economic Development is designated as the contract monitor, and the Department of Public Works will oversee the project. The estimated cost for the utility improvements is $513,013, with the agreement setting a maximum reimbursement of $600,000. The agreement has a termination date of December 31, 2026.

Citizen Impact

This agreement facilitates the construction of a new railroad sidetrack in the Cecil Commerce Center by covering the costs of relocating essential electrical utilities. Residents will not see a direct cost increase as the funding is part of existing project appropriations, and the project aims to support economic development in the area.

Confidence

high

Summary

This ordinance (2025-876) declares an approximate 2.49-acre portion of the real property located at 851 N. Market Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32202, known as the Armory Building (R.E. # 074384-0100), to be surplus to the City's needs. It authorizes the Mayor to execute a Purchase and Sale Agreement for the conveyance of this property to Armory Redevelopment Associates, LLC for a purchase price of $3,044,050.70.

Key Provisions & Waivers:

• Purchase Price: The price of $3,044,050.70 includes a per-acre value of $1,023,097.83 for the 2.49 acres, plus an additional $496,537.10 to repay Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds previously disbursed to the Purchaser for Armory building repairs under Ordinance 2020-246-E, as the prior project no longer qualifies.
• Waivers: The ordinance waives Sections 122.424 (Disposition for Direct Sale) and 122.425 (Disposition by Auction or Sealed Bid) of the Ordinance Code to allow for a direct sale to the Purchaser. It also waives Subsection 122.421(i) to permit the $496,537.10 CDBG repayment to be deposited into the CDBG Fund instead of the Jacksonville Recreational and Environmental Land Acquisition Fund.
• Restrictive Covenants: The Quit Claim Deed includes covenants running with the land in perpetuity, prohibiting the property from being conveyed or leased to a tax-exempt entity. Additionally, the Grantee (Purchaser) cannot convey the property to any person or entity within three (3) years from the deed's execution date, with an exception for a lender or its designee in a foreclosure action (who also cannot be tax-exempt).

Background: The City and Armory Redevelopment Associates previously had a Redevelopment Agreement and Lease (authorized by Ordinance 2020-591-E, amended by 2022-767-E) for renovating the Armory Building into a mixed-use facility. These agreements were terminated due to the Purchaser's inability to secure financing. The property's assessed value as of December 30, 2025, was $3,217,874.20. The sale aims to eliminate blight and create job opportunities.

Citizen Impact

This sale facilitates the redevelopment of the historic Armory Building at 851 N. Market Street, potentially eliminating blight and creating new job opportunities in the area. The City will recover $496,537.10 in previously disbursed CDBG funds, which can be reallocated to other community development projects. The property will remain on the tax rolls due to restrictive covenants preventing its transfer to tax-exempt entities for at least three years and in perpetuity.

Confidence

high

Summary

This ordinance approves the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the Jacksonville Electric Authority (JEA) and the Professional Employees’ Association (PEA), representing approximately 377 JEA professional employees. The agreement covers a three-year term from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2028. Key provisions include annual pay increases: a 1.5% general increase and a 2.5% performance pay increase each year. Additionally, there are increases to the pay range minimums (1.5% annually) and maximums (3.0% annually). The agreement also clarifies overtime pay, leave usage, holiday pay for shift workers, and updates policies on alcohol and drug testing and grievance procedures. The estimated total cost of these changes over the three years is approximately $6.1 million.

Citizen Impact

This agreement impacts JEA employees represented by the PEA through wage increases and updated employment terms. For residents, this means JEA's operational costs will increase, which could indirectly affect utility rates in the future.

Confidence

high

Summary

This ordinance approves the collective bargaining agreement between JEA and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Local #2358. The agreement covers a three-year term, commencing October 1, 2025, and ending September 30, 2028. Key provisions include general pay base increases of 4.0% in Fiscal Year 1 (2026), 3.5% in Fiscal Year 2 (2027), and 3.0% in Fiscal Year 3 (2028). The 4.0% increase in FY1 will be retroactive to October 1, 2025, upon final City Council approval. The agreement also includes changes to hours of work and overtime, clarification of holiday terms, an increase in the safety footwear voucher by $50, and updated procedures for grievance, discipline, and alcohol/substance abuse testing. The estimated total cost of these changes over the three-year contract life is $6,918,882.

Citizen Impact

This agreement directly impacts JEA employees represented by IBEW through wage increases and updated working conditions. For residents, this means continued reliable utility services as JEA maintains its labor agreements, with the associated costs reflected in JEA's overall operational budget.

Confidence

high

Summary

This ordinance approves the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between JEA and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Florida Council 79, Local 429. The agreement covers approximately 269 JEA employees and is effective for three years, from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2028. Key provisions include general pay base increases: 4.0% in Fiscal Year 1 (retroactive to Oct 1, 2025), 3.5% in Fiscal Year 2, and 3.0% in Fiscal Year 3. The agreement also includes updated terms for overtime pay, supplemental pay (including an increase in standby compensation and bilingual skills supplement), leave usage, and other benefits. The total estimated cost for these changes over the three-year term is approximately $2,506,353.

Citizen Impact

This agreement impacts JEA employees represented by AFSCME through wage increases and updated benefits. For residents, this means JEA's operational costs will increase, which could indirectly affect utility rates in the future, although no immediate rate changes are specified.

Confidence

high

Summary

This ordinance approves the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between JEA and the JEA Supervisors’ Association (JSA) for the period of October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2028. The agreement, ratified by JSA members on November 10, 2025, and approved by the JEA Board on November 18, 2025, includes several substantive changes to the status quo for approximately 196 JEA employees who are non-professional supervisors.

Key provisions of the CBA include:

• General Pay Base Increases: A 4% increase in Fiscal Year 1 (retroactive to Oct 1, 2025), a 3.5% increase in Fiscal Year 2, and a 3.0% increase in Fiscal Year 3.
• Overtime Pay: Unused compensatory time will be paid out or rolled into a reserve bank, 457(b) plan, or HSA account, subject to IRS limitations. Holiday pay for shift workers when required to work on a holiday with built-in overtime is clarified.
• Working Conditions & Supplemental Pay: The voucher value for safety footwear is increased by $50. JEA will reimburse initial and renewal costs for required licenses and certifications.
• Insurance & Benefits: The basic term life insurance amount available for employee purchase is increased to $350,000.
• Training: Up to two days without loss of pay are provided for JSA stewards and/or officers to attend training over the three-year term.

The estimated total cost of these changes over the three-year contract term is approximately $3,319,133.

Citizen Impact

This agreement impacts JEA employees represented by the JSA, providing them with wage increases and updated benefits. Residents may indirectly see impacts through JEA's operational efficiency and service delivery, as employee compensation is a significant factor in utility operations.

Confidence

high

Summary

This ordinance authorizes the Mayor or her designee and the Corporation Secretary to execute a Third Amendment to the License Agreement between the City of Jacksonville and the Dinsmore Civic Association, Inc. This amendment will extend the term of the license agreement for the Dinsmore Historical Museum, located at 7330 Civic Club Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32219, until April 6, 2030. It also includes one additional five-year renewal option. The annual license fee remains nominal at $1.00. The Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department will provide oversight for the museum's management and programming. The agreement is being reinstated as of April 7, 2025, to reflect the continued operation of the museum.

Citizen Impact

This action extends the operational term of the Dinsmore Historical Museum for another five years, with a potential five-year extension, ensuring the continued preservation and display of local history for the community. The nominal $1.00 annual fee means no significant financial impact on the city or its residents.

Confidence

high

Summary

This ordinance approves and authorizes the Mayor to execute a Twelfth Amendment to the Amended and Restated Equestrian Center Services Contract with Northeast Florida Equestrian Society/H.O.R.S.E. Therapies, Inc. (NFES). The primary purpose of this amendment is to revise and update the insurance and indemnification requirements as requested and approved by the City's Risk Management Division. The amendment is intended to ensure compliance with current coverage needs and may include technical changes that do not increase the City's financial obligations or decrease NFES's duties. The amendment may be retroactively dated to August 25, 2025, to maintain continuity of insurance coverage. The Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department will provide oversight for this contract. The contract's maximum indebtedness remains $5,915,685.93.

Citizen Impact

This amendment primarily affects the administrative and insurance aspects of the contract for the Equestrian Center services. Residents are not expected to experience any direct impact in terms of costs or services, as the changes are technical and do not alter the City's financial obligations or NFES's duties.

Confidence

high

Summary

This ordinance amends the FY 2025-2026 Budget Ordinance (2025-504-E) to include four grants inadvertently omitted from Schedule B1a. The key provisions are:

• Fusion Center Grant: Adds $204,000.00 from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to fund two Fusion Center Analyst positions and 2,080 part-time hours within the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office (JSO) for domestic security analysis for the Northeast Florida Fusion Center (NEFFC). This grant is for the period July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026.
• POWER Program Grant: Adds $150,000.00 from the Chartrand Foundation for the Peace Officer Wellness Empathy & Resilience (POWER) Program.
• Online Sting Operations Grant: Adds $100,000.00 from FDLE to support online sting operations.
• Operation Striking Distance Grant: Adds $400,000.00 from FDLE to conduct investigations targeting illegal fentanyl activity, including 3,465 part-time hours within JSO.

All grants are continuation grants with no city match required. The ordinance also authorizes the two JSO Fusion Center Analyst positions and 2,080 part-time hours, and designates the JSO for oversight. Emergency passage is requested to ensure timely appropriation of these funds for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.

Citizen Impact

This budget amendment allows for the appropriation of grant funds to support JSO initiatives, including domestic security analysis, officer wellness programs, online sting operations, and fentanyl investigations. These efforts aim to enhance public safety and address critical crime trends within the city.

Confidence

high

Summary

This ordinance appropriates $245,220 from the International Association of Fire Fighters Contingency Account to fund the restoration of a historic Works Progress Administration (WPA) era fire tower located at 625 Stockton Street. The Jacksonville Association of Firefighters, IAFF Local No. 122, Inc. (JAFF), which owns the tower, will receive this grant. The funds will be used for exterior and interior restoration, including repairs to windows, doors, and masonry, to restore the tower to its original condition. The grant term is from January 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027, with funds allowed to carry over until September 30, 2027. A waiver of Section 118.107 of the Ordinance Code is included to permit a direct contract with JAFF, as they are the owner and maintainer of the facility which continues to serve as a supplemental training ground for the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD). The Department of Public Works will oversee the project.

Citizen Impact

This action will help preserve a historic landmark and ensure the continued use of a valuable training facility for the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department. Residents will benefit from the preservation of local history and potentially improved fire response capabilities due to enhanced training facilities.

Confidence

high

Summary

This ordinance appropriates $41,100 from a Special Council Contingency account to fund a title report and an environmental site assessment for six parcels of property located in Council District 9. These parcels are under consideration for purchase by the City. The properties are located at:

• 0 McDuff Avenue North (R.E. Nos. 056005-0000, 056006-0000, and 056007-0000)
• 957 McDuff Avenue North (R.E. No. 056008-0000)
• 961 McDuff Avenue North (R.E. No. 056009-0000)
• 971 McDuff Avenue North (R.E. No. 056010-0000)

The Real Estate Division of the Department of Public Works will oversee this process. Any funds not used for these specific assessments will revert to the Special Council Contingency account. The ordinance was introduced by Council Member Clark-Murray and is scheduled for a public hearing on January 13, 2026.

Citizen Impact

Residents in Council District 9 may see future development or changes related to the potential purchase of these six properties. This appropriation is for preliminary assessments, so no immediate impact on residents is expected, but it is a step towards a potential City acquisition.

Confidence

high

Summary

This ordinance (2025-896) authorizes the creation of a new position, a Credit Compliance and Finance Manager, funded by the Federal HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The position is intended to support the HOME program and is funded through appropriations made by Ordinance 2025-388-E. The salary range for this grant-funded position is between $69,474.85 and $116,973.06, with no City match required. The position is set to be effective October 1, 2025, and is aligned with the grant's objectives and compliance requirements. This legislation was introduced on December 9, 2025, and referred to the NCSPHS and F committees, with a public hearing scheduled for January 13, 2026.

Citizen Impact

This action creates a new position funded by federal grants to manage housing programs. Residents may benefit from improved administration of housing assistance programs funded by the HOME grant.

Confidence

high

Summary

This ordinance appropriates $1,460,000 from the Jax Recreation & Environmental Land Acquisition Fund Balance to fund the City's acquisition of an approximately 8.42-acre unimproved parcel located at 0 Jones Road in Council District 12. The property will be used as a public park, specifically as an expansion of Cisco Gardens Park. The ordinance also authorizes the Mayor to execute a Real Estate Purchase and Sale Agreement with Chad Development, LLC for a negotiated price not to exceed $1,450,000. Oversight of the acquisition will be handled by the Public Works Department's Real Estate Division, with ongoing oversight of the park by the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department.

Citizen Impact

Residents will benefit from the acquisition of 8.42 acres of new parkland for the expansion of Cisco Gardens Park. This will provide additional recreational space within Council District 12.

Confidence

high

Summary

This ordinance appropriates $2,480,034.00 from returned funding related to the termination of the Jacksonville International Airport Community Redevelopment Agency (JIA CRA). The funds are allocated as follows:

• $850,000.00 to the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD) for thermal imaging cameras and bail out kits.
• $400,000.00 to the Litter Campaign account for anti-litter initiatives, including education, prevention, enforcement, and community engagement.
• $200,000.00 to United Way of Northeast Florida, Inc. (UWNEFL) for the "State of Jax Initiative," which will establish a comprehensive community data platform using mySidewalk.
• $1,030,034.00 to the Budget Stabilization Reserve Contingency account.

The ordinance invokes an exemption to allow a direct contract with UWNEFL for the "State of Jax Initiative" and waives a section requiring competitive evaluation for nonprofit grants. Oversight will be provided by the Grants and Contract Compliance Division of the Finance Department, and funds are approved to carry over to Fiscal Year 2026-2027.

Citizen Impact

Residents will benefit from improved safety equipment for firefighters, a cleaner city through anti-litter campaigns, and enhanced data-driven decision-making for city planning via the "State of Jax Initiative." The majority of the funds are allocated to essential services and reserves, with a portion directly supporting community data initiatives.

Confidence

high