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Jacksonville mayor's budget calls for 100 new police officers

By Action News Jax
By Action News Jax

Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry is calling for 100 new officers in his proposed budget.

Curry presented the budget proposal to City Council on Monday. He said at the start of his term as mayor, the sheriff's office was down to 1,600 officers from 1,800.

DOCUMENT: Mayor Lenny Curry's proposed budget

Curry said Sheriff Mike Williams and former Sheriff John Rutherford told him the city was at dangerously low levels of police officers.

If the budget is approved, Curry will have restored 180 police officer positions cut during previous administrations.

Curry said he he also plans to add 42 firefighter positions, and invest millions of dollars in Edward Waters College.

He said the $8.4 million investment in EWC is not just for the campus, but the community overall.

"This is about investing in an institution and neighborhood that has literally stepped up and has created a beacon of light. And we need to support that," Curry said.

The mayor says the money will help fund a community field with a track and go toward renovating student dorms overcome with mold and ventilation issues.

The mayor's proposal also includes $8 million to demolish and prepare city hall and the courthouse for development and $1 million to retrofit several city pools.

Cox Media Group

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