JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Mayor Alvin Brown has submitted his $945 million proposed budget.
It includes 490 positions and $68.7 million in cuts.
City Councilman Doyle Carter picked up his copy Friday afternoon. He doesn't know exactly what all is being cut, but he knows public works is taking a hit. "That's a big issue. I get more calls on the roads, drains, people trying to get to work to make money," said Carter.
The city's chief financial officer tells Action News some of the $22 million from public works went to the parks and recreation department.
It's not the only department taking a hit. We've told you about the sheriff's frustrations cutting $22 million from his budget. The fire and rescue budget proposed nearly $2.4 million in cuts. The library system also has $4 million in cuts.
The CFO says there's really only one reason. "The real issue is with the pension. It's the driving force of this budget and budgets to come," said Ronnie Belton.
But this budget doesn't fix the problem. City Council President Bill Bishop has already expressed concern over capitol improvement projects or the lack there of funding for them next year. We took his concern to the man behind the budget.
"We're looking at only one new project, the Bartram Park fire house. It's a necessity because of insurance," said Belton. "We have to be careful this year in terms of spending because the money isn't there."
While the mayor's office is hoping putting things on hold is temporary, they know something needs to be done. "When we have money we can do more things," said Belton.
The mayor will present his budget to city council on Monday. The final budget has to be approved by city council by September 30th.
The mayor also released a video statement about the budget.
Click here to watch the video message.
