The $1.9 billion proposed capital improvement plan for 2025–2029 in Jacksonville
Introduction
During a quick discussion in the mayor’s office, potential uses for capital improvement funding for the following five years were discussed. The proposed Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) might cost $1.9 billion for Fiscal Years 2025 through 2029.
Funding will be provided for public safety, infrastructure, roads, public amenities, parks, preservation, and the environment.
Listed below are a few of the suggested funding items:
• Hogan’s Creek Stormwater Improvements: over $16 million; The Florida Theatre: $1.5 million; James Weldon Johnson Park: $6 million; MOSH: $50 million as it gets ready to relocate to the Northbank
• For more than $38 million, new fire stations 66, 67, and 77.
• The Brown Eastside Branch Replacement of the Public Library will cost $8.1 million, and the Countywide Parks and Recreation Projects will cost $2.5 million.
Request for One-time payout
In addition to the CIP debate, retired city employees are requesting a one-time payout exceeding $10 million because of rising living expenses.
On behalf of the retirees, John Keane, President of the Retired Employee Association, requested payment.
According to Keene, “some elderly city retirees don’t even receive Medicare.” “They retired with their pension before Medicare was implemented.
The individuals who constructed this metropolis, which you guys are currently running, our members, have been particularly harmed by the skyrocketing costs of food and other necessities due to the recent record-breaking inflation.
If authorized, approximately 8,000 retirees would receive a $1,250 one-time payment. For the time being, it would need to be evaluated and a funding source found.
Upcoming Final Vote
The decision regarding millions of funds that would help maintain the infrastructure and state of city resources must be made by July 8, according to Mayor Donna Deegan. The CIP may vary between now and next week. On September 24, there will be a final vote.