The dispute between the executive and judicial branches over furniture at the new Duval County Courthouse will now involve the legislative branch after City Council member Kimberly Daniels filed legislation appropriating $750,000 for furniture in the 7th floor hearing rooms.
The legislation will be introduced to the full Council during its 5 p.m. Tuesday meeting.
It originated after a decision by Mayor Alvin Brown’s administration to transfer furniture from the current courthouse, instead of purchasing new furniture, to outfit the 7th floor hearing rooms.
Language within the proposed ordinance would appropriate the funds from a Duval County Unified Courthouse Program account to an “account to be determined” and would require the furniture purchase within 15 days of the effective date of the ordinance.
Several calls to Daniels’ office seeking comment regarding the legislation Thursday went unanswered.
Ronnie Belton, City chief financial officer, said in a recent interview the decision not to purchase any more furniture was made to save taxpayer dollars and that the furniture in the current courthouse would suffice.
Mayoral spokesman David DeCamp said Thursday that Brown and administration officials maintain that there is no evidence that the furniture in the current courthouse would be a hazard for patrons in the new courthouse.
“We will continue to work collaboratively with City Council to ensure the best return on investment for taxpayers,” DeCamp said.
Chief Judge Donald Moran appeared before the full Council April 24 to explain the furniture and funding situation. During the appearance, Moran said his presentation was not to seek Council to “do anything” and mentioned the $750,000 price for the furniture purchase had been reduced from $900,000.
Asked Thursday about the legislation, Moran said he had “just become aware of it” and was not involved.
In addition, Moran said he had never met Daniels but it “was certainly thoughtful that Council is concerned.”
The figure appropriated through the bill would be sufficient for the need, he said.
“It is what we said we needed beforehand,” Moran said.
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