NEFBA’s Government Affairs Committee: Meets at 8:30 a.m., Friday, Aug. 15, at the NEFBA office, 103 Century 21 Drive, Suite 100, Jacksonville.
Mayor’s proposed budget released: Mayor Alvin Brown has released his proposed 2014-15 city budget. Mayor Brown’s budget proposes increasing spending on the Sheriff’s Office, Downtown development and city services in the more than $1 billion budget. Mayor Brown’s budget does not increase the millage rate. It relies on issuing up to $230 million in debt and tapping $16.8 million from budget reserves.
New committee chairs: Jacksonville City Council President Clay Yarborough has selected new chairs for standing committees. They include council member Bill Gulliford (Rules), council member Don Redman (Recreation, Community Development, Public Health and Safety), council member Reggie Brown (Transportation, Energy and Utilities) council member Ray Holt (Land Use and Zoning), and council member Richard Clark (Finance). Council President Yarborough will chair the Personnel Committee.
Duval County issues
Jessie Spradley, [email protected] and (904) 725-4355
Property values increase: County property values have increased nearly 4.4 percent from last year, according to Property Appraiser Roger Suggs. The preliminary 2014 taxable value of all property in the county totals about $8.4 billion. Last year’s taxable value was about $8.1 billion.
School superintendent: The fight over the school superintendent is continuing. At the July 17 school board meeting, the board decided 3-2 to place a resolution on the Nov. 4 ballot asking Clay County voters if they want to continue to have an elected superintendent or if they would prefer the position be appointed. Board Chairwoman Carol Studdard led the charge, which if successful, could result in the removal of Superintendent Charlie Van Zant from office.
Builders Council
Jessie Spradley, [email protected] and (904) 725-4355
Comprehensive Plan amendments: Due to concerns raised by community activists, the Comprehensive Plan amendment and Land Development Code amendments have been delayed. Additionally, the amendments, which included changes to the Vilano Town Center and the Northwest Scenic edges, will be revised. No meetings have been scheduled.
Builders Council
Leona Brown, [email protected] and (904) 725-4355
Proposed Mobility Plan: After several months of delay, the Mobility Fee Task Force has approved an amended proposed Mobility Plan. Changes include mobility fee exemptions for private schools, 100 discounts for child-care facilities and fee exemptions for new churches with fewer than 1,275 seats. The proposed plan will head to the County Commission Aug. 25. It is being designed to replace the county’s current transportation concurrency system.
Builders Council
Palmer Kuder, [email protected] and (904) 725-4355
Jessie Spradley, [email protected] and (904) 725-4355