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Duval Times

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Mayor Deegan vetoes ordinance citing fiscal responsibility concerns

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Donna Deegan - Mayor of Jacksonville, FL | City of Jacksonville website

Donna Deegan - Mayor of Jacksonville, FL | City of Jacksonville website

Today, Mayor Donna Deegan exercised her first veto by rejecting Ordinance #2024-800, known as the "Cash for Trash" bill. The ordinance proposed a $12 million increase in payments to Meridian Waste, which would have resulted in an additional $4 million annually over three years. This decision followed an opinion memo from General Counsel Michael Fackler, which identified a separation of powers issue with the City Council's amendment to the contract.

The City Council had passed the ordinance on December 10, 2024, despite opposition from both the Administration and Council Auditors. The bill would have funded non-operating expenses such as lobbyist fees and employee appreciation events. Mayor Deegan highlighted that taxpayers would not receive any extra services for this increased cost, noting that Meridian Waste had committed to maintaining service levels regardless of receiving additional funds.

"In vetoing this bill, I am holding true to my commitment to be fiscally responsible and always seek return on investment for our citizens," stated Mayor Deegan. She criticized the council's decision to allocate $4 million from reserves, arguing it undermines city priorities like affordable housing and homelessness.

Mayor Deegan had previously proposed initiatives aimed at addressing these issues during budget discussions. However, the City Council Finance Committee reduced funding for homeless outreach from $10 million to $1 million and removed a proposed $10 million investment in an affordable housing fund.

The administration has stated it will not support paying the increased rates if the City Council overrides the veto and plans to address the waste hauler rate review process moving forward.

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