Downtown Vision Inc. Executive Director Terry Lorince said Wednesday that more than one of the proposed City cuts proposed in the 2012-13 budget presented to City Council by Mayor Alvin Brown would have significant negative effects on Downtown.
In addition to the proposal for the City to no longer collect trash and garbage in the urban core effective Oct. 1, which was reported Wednesday in the Daily Record, Lorince told the organization’s board of directors that a proposed budget reduction in the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office would affect public safety in the neighborhood.
She said it’s her understanding that if JSO is forced to reduce its number of officers, Downtown would see a major reduction in police presence.
“Downtown could lose 20 officers, including the walking beat patrol and the bicycle patrol,” said Lorince.
Based on discussions with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the Downtown officers are considered “proactive units” and would have to be reassigned to respond to emergency calls if the proposed budget reduction is enacted, said Amy Harrell, DVI director of district services.
“It’s early in the budget process. I can’t imagine it being that drastic. The Council won’t let that happen,” said District 4 Council member Don Redman, who represents Downtown.
Lorince said she and her staff are reviewing the proposed budget to identify other areas of concern, including the possibility that the City might reduce funding for events Downtown, but the solid waste collection and public safety issues are most critical.
“We can’t have an active Downtown unless it’s clean and safe,” she said.
Redman introduced legislation Tuesday to Council to renew the Downtown Improvement District, an additional property tax assessment for Downtown that funds DVI’s Ambassadors and marketing efforts.
Lorince said based on a survey of property owners affected by the additional assessment, owners of more than 80 percent of the assessed value support the renewal to sustain DVI’s operations.
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