Jacksonville bill seeks to alter yearly budget process

A bill just introduced in Jacksonville’s City Council by Councilwoman Katrina Brown seems to be a proposed altering of the budget process, pushing for consideration in August by the Committee of the Whole.

The bill seems to circumvent the Finance Committee’s exhaustive review of the Budget process, instead placing the responsibility on the entire body.

In the case of the City’s annual budget bills (including the bill appropriating the funding for the City’s annual budget, the bills setting the millage of the City and the Beaches and Baldwin, the bills approving the City’s capital improvements plan, the information technology system development program bills, and the bill authorizing use of the City’s banking fund), the President shall refer the bills to the Committee of the Whole to consider amendment to and adoption of said bills. The President shall convene the Committee of the Whole in August each year to consider the City annual budget bills and shall appoint a chair to preside as the presiding officer (which may be the chair of the committee devoted to financial matters).The annual budget bills specified above need not be referred to any standing, special or select committee for further consideration thereof. Upon consideration of the annual budget bills, the Committee of the Whole shall make its report on the annual budget bills prior to the first Council meeting in October.

FloridaPolitics.com reached out to Councilwoman Brown on Monday morning and afternoon for a fuller understanding of the intent of the proposed legislation, which undoubtedly will be a big talker in committees.

Expect updates when we are able to talk to her.