A.G. Gancarski
Jacksonville’s Mayor is tired of the garbage from the City Council.
That’s one potential interpretation of the announcement of the first veto of the Donna Deegan administration: Ordinance No. 2024-800, the $12 million dollar “Cash for Trash” bill.
In a press release, the administration notes the legislative branch “passed 2024-800 during its meeting on December 10, 2024 against the advice of the Council Auditors and the opposition of the Administration. The bill gives Meridian Waste a 29% increase, which amounts to an additional four million dollars per year for the next three years on top of increases built into the existing contract.”
The bill passed by a 17-2 vote, meaning that five members of the Council would have to flip should Council opt not to reconsider and pass the bill anew. All five Council Democrats backed the bill, though, suggesting there may be a path to avoid supermajority support upon reconsideration.
“In vetoing this bill, I am holding true to my commitment to be fiscally responsible and always seek return on investment for our citizens. The dramatic increase passed by the City Council — with $4 million coming from reserves — is fiscally irresponsible and comes at the expense of city priorities like affordable housing and homelessness,” Deegan said.
Though Deegan claims Meridian provides “exceptional service,” she takes issue with what the increase finances: “non-operating expenses, including lobbyist fees, employee appreciation cookouts and gift cards, local sponsorships and donations.”
“Should the City Council override this veto, the administration will not agree to pay the super-sized trash rate increase. We will also seek to remedy the waste hauler rate review process moving forward,” the administration said.
3 comments
Tara Blevins
January 13, 2025 at 8:03 pm
From my perspective, I am glad the Mayor is vetoing this increase. Meridian bid against incumbent hauler, Republic, for this service area nearly three years ago. Republic came in around $21/$22 per residential unit whereas Meridian came in around $16 per residential unit. The city chose the low bid which is fine. But, in year 3 of the contract there is a rate review process where Meridian is only contractually allowed an increase in profit margin between 10-15% after justifying their expenses. The council granted them a 29% increase in profit margin which most likely puts their new residential rate close to Republic’s original bid rate or greater. This is not fair to Republic who responded to the RFP process and was dislodged by low bid and then in less then 3-years that low bidder is asking for more of a rate increase then is contractually allowed. Meridian is a for profit company. This increase is only increasing their profit margin. They are not merely breaking even or just getting by. Good grief! I didn’t vote for the Mayor but she is spot on this one.
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