JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Mayor Alvin Brown has a lot of explaining to do Monday as he presents his already somewhat criticized 2013 Fiscal Budget to City Council.
The proposal is 415 pages long and includes cuts to every city department. The Mayor was forced to fill a $32 million shortfall that could result in the elimination of 490 jobs.
City Council President Bill Bishop tells Action News exclusively he thinks taxpayers shouldn't have to shoulder the burden of the shortfall. Instead, he believes JEA, JIA and JAXPORT should help. All three are owned by the city, but Bishop believes they operate too much like independent businesses.
"The independent authorities have a lot of money. How does the city maximize its ownership in these entities for the long sustainable benefit of everybody?"
Others are questioning what's not in the proposal.
Supervisor of Elections Jerry Holland says he suggested the city consolidate his two locations and save $52,000 a month in rent for it's northside location at the Gateway Shopping Center. He says that suggestion was rejected by the Mayor's office because it might confuse voters.
"I thought it was disappointing to hear that was the reason not to do it. Also, saving hundreds of thousands of dollars; it could save potential jobs, put additional police officers on the street. It could save the taxpayers money."The Mayor begins his presentation to City Council at 9 a.m.
Watch live coverage on FOX 30 Action News or a live stream here on ActionNewsJax.com.
