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Mayor's budget and JEA pension bill pass, marijuana decriminalization bill fails

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville City Council approved the mayor's $1.37 billion budget on Tuesday night by a vote of 18-1. Garret Dennis was the lone council member to vote against the budget.

There was a nearly two-hour discussion on amendments before the vote and approval happened, including a decision to withdraw thousands of dollars from the Northeast Florida Regional council.

The budget  includes enhancements for the real time crime center and ShotSpotter technology, improvements for the recently launched cure violence program and additional money for the school guardian program.

The new budget also includes $5 million for a new fire station in the Arlington Expressway/Atlantic boulevard area, and millions more in renovations, upgrades and land purchases.

Mayor Lenny Curry issued a statement after the budget was passed by council.

"Tonight city Council approved my budget for the city of Jacksonville," said Curry. "This budget makes major investments in priorities like public safety, neighborhoods and economic development throughout the community while maintaining our steadfast commitment to sound stewardship of taxpayer dollars. I am appreciative of the hard-working city employees who put this budget together and my colleagues on the council for their collaboration throughout this process. I look forward to putting this budget into action for the people of Jacksonville on October 1."

But that was hardly the only topic of discussion on Tuesday night.

RELATED: Nearly $1.6 million for Cure Violence up for discussion at Jacksonville City Council Meeting

Marijuana decriminalization bill

Council members also discussed a bill filed by council member Garret Dennis, that would have decriminalized certain amounts of marijuana.

Had it passed, people with fewer than 20 grams of marijuana would have been given civil citations, rather than going to jail.

The bill failed with three voting in favor, and 16 voting against the measure.

JEA Pension Bill

In light of the possible sale of JEA, City Council that would cover the cost of pension protections for JEA employees.

Members approved the bill by a vote of 16-3.

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