JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- City council voted to keep the mayor's proposed millage rate.
The crowd inside city council was filled with police officers Tuesday. They're nervous because so many jobs are on the chopping block. But they're supporting the sheriff whose fighting to save some of their jobs. "I knew this day was coming," said Sheriff John Rutherford.
City council voted to keep the mayors proposed millage rate, and not go with a higher rollback rate the sheriff wanted. The sheriff claimed the rollback would've brought in close to ten million dollars to help save jobs and programs like the Matrix House, which is a drug treatment house. City council called the plan a tax increase.
"It's a tax increase. I don't care what the sheriff says," said Councilman Crescembeni.
But Sheriff Rutherford is still fighting to get money back. "I want to be allowed to keep savings in budget," said Rutherford.
The sheriff says that savings and the 6.1 million dollars he wants council to put back in his budget will give him 8.8 million dollars. He says that savings means keeping officers and hopefully being saving the Matrix program.
There's something even more concerning to some council members. They say the mayors so-called "balanced budget" isn't balanced. "Thirty-eight million dollars out of balance," said Councilman Bill Gulliford. "What concerns me is taking officers off the streets," said Sheriff Rutherford.
The Mayor's office sent us this statement. "Mayor Alvin Brown's administration submitted a proposed budget that was balanced without raising taxes or fees. We look forward to working with City Council and to continuing the ongoing dialogue with council auditors to address any questions. The ultimate goal is to produce the most efficient city government without increasing the burden on hardworking taxpayers."
The city council will vote on whether to allow the sheriff to keep his savings next month.
