Action News Jax Investigates the city’s transparency with Republican National Convention financing

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Action News Jax questions of transparency as the city of Jacksonville was preparing to host the republican national convention in August.

Ben Becker of Action News Jax uncovered inconsistencies in the actions of Jacksonville’s chief administrative officer Brian Hughes.

Becker discovered that Hughes signed an agreement on behalf of Mayor Lenny Curry and the city on July 9, hiring an outside firm, Wheeler Emergency Management, for nearly $70,000 to assist in federal grant compliance relating to the RNC.

However, Hughes told Jacksonville City Council President Tommy Hazouri something different in an email just six days later, on July 15. Hazouri was inquiring about any costs the city might incur from hosting the convention.

“If the city has executed any agreement related to the RNC, please provide copies,” Hazouri requested.

Hughes responded, “The administration has no agreements at this time, and I am unaware of any city department having any such agreement now.”

“Do you think it could have been a misunderstanding,” Becker asked city councilman Garrett Dennis. “No,” Dennis said.

Dennis requested a full breakdown of expenses regarding the RNC in Jacksonville. A total of $153,602.68 was the final amount given by the city council auditor. This does not include everyday costs to the city, including work hours dedicated to the event. The majority of the cost was for overtime pay.

“I believe the mayor (should) demand the president and RNC to reimburse the city for the $154,000,” Dennis said.

Becker emailed the city twice to ask about his findings but did not receive a response. Becker also asked for a statement from Hughes but has not heard back.

The mayor’s chief of staff, Jordan Elsbury, told the council that no taxpayer dollars were spent.

“At this point, I don’t believe we have spent any taxpayer money related to this event, just staff planning time that goes into any special event.”

Becker texted Hazouri but did not receive a response.

The city is still reviewing the invoice from Wheeler.

Cox Media Group