Q: How is the budget process going for the City of Jacksonville?
A: We are actively working toward the resolution of the proposed budget for the next fiscal year. The finance committee has been working diligently, going through the proposed budget line by line to minimize any drawdowns on our reserves and although I am not on this committee, I have been actively participating as much as my schedule permits. At the City Council’s last meeting in September, we will finalize the budget. Public comment is available at this meeting as well as the meetings leading up to it.
Q: Have you been working also with the canvassing board?
A: Yes, presently we are busy with the Primary Election and I will be spending a lot of time at the Supervisor of Elections’ office leading up to Election Day in November. After the voting is completed, we have to sign off on the final tabulations.
Speaking of the November election, the ballot for November will be lengthy due to the number of proposed Constitutional Amendments. I encourage constituents to do their homework on these amendments and review the sample ballot when it becomes available closer to Election Day. An informed electorate is so important.
Q: Do you have an update on any Mandarin projects?
A: Well, the big project on Orange Picker and Brady roads is nearing completion. We expect the resurfacing of Orange Picker and Brady roads as well as the Alberts Field parking lot expansion to be completed by the end of September.
Also of note, there will be a Household Hazardous Waste collection event, to include electronics waste, on Sept. 21 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Tommy Hazouri Sr./Mandarin Park, 14780 Mandarin Road. This collection event is for Duval County residents only; no businesses are permitted.
Q: What is the best way for our readers to contact you?
A: Community members can email me at MBoylan@coj.net or call (904) 255-5206
