August Meeting of the Taxation, Revenue, and Utilization of Expenditures (True) Commission

Meeting Date: August 7, 2026 (Note: The raw transcript states the meeting began on Thursday, August 6th; this discrepancy is noted.)

The True Commission met to discuss financial reporting processes, budget projections, audit findings, and public service grant oversight. The meeting began without a quorum (only five of six required members present) and thus no formal votes could be taken. Public comments were heard, followed by a detailed presentation from the Chief Financial Officer on the city's financial close and budget processes. A council auditor presented findings on the property appraiser's portability calculations, and the Public Service Grant (PSG) subcommittee discussed data on payment support rates for organizations affiliated with city council members.

Public Comments & Testimony

• John J. Nooney (Jacksonville City Council Resolution 2023-0819, District 4) discussed various city trust funds (Parks Trust Fund, Veterans Trust Fund, Artificial Reef Trust Fund, Movie Trust Fund), expressed support for expanding public waterway access, and referenced potential impacts of property tax reform (Amendment 3). He also mentioned making a donation and highlighted funding opportunities through the Florida Inland Navigation District.
• Ernest Smith (Chair, Urban Core CPAC) provided an update that the Urban Core CPAC is seeking a new representative to the True Commission, noting that Kim Pryor was the previous representative and a volunteer is ready to step in.

Discussion Items

• Financial Reporting and Budget Processes: Anna Brochet, Chief Financial Officer, accompanied by Comptroller Michelle Begley, answered questions about the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close process. She explained the distinction between operating budgets (annual) and capital projects (multi-year), the use of purchase orders and carry-forwards, and the city's conservative revenue projection approach. Discussion included the feasibility of moving to a monthly budgeting model to increase discipline, with Brochet noting it would be more resource-intensive. The city's average operating cash balance was cited as $1.6 billion. Questions also covered department directors' willingness to request additional staff and comparisons of employee compensation to other large Florida cities (public safety is closest to parity; general employees are paid 65–70% of market average).
• Council Auditor Report No. 907 – Property Appraiser Portability Audit: Mr. Carter presented the audit, which examined the Save Our Homes portability transfer calculation for the 2025 tax roll. Key findings: 2,524 parcels received portability transfers valued at $311,369,379. Internal control issues were found with standard operating procedures (missing approval dates, outdated information). Detailed testing found 2 of 149 recalculated portability amounts were incorrect, resulting in an overstatement of $89,160 and underbilled taxes of $1,518.81. Analytical testing found 1 of 14 recalculated amounts was understated by $37,439, resulting in overbilled taxes of $664.22. The property appraiser agreed to update SOPs and correct errors.
• PSG Subcommittee Discussion of Data: Mr. Lures reviewed data from the council auditor's audit No. 901 on PSG and direct contract payments. He calculated that 35% of the $1.3 million tested ($477,000) had insufficient or no support. He noted that the Clara White Mission (associated with Council Member Jacoby Pittman) had nearly every dollar unsupported, while the Fire Watch Project (associated with Council Member Nick Callens) had a questionable rate about 3–4 percentage points above average. He proposed a more comprehensive study over a longer time horizon to determine if organizations employing council members have higher rates of unsupported payments, potentially leading to legislative recommendations. The commission agreed to revisit this topic in September after receiving the full audit report.
• Chair's Comments: Chair Day provided historical context on consolidation, emphasizing the economy of scale (current millage rate 11.1919) and encouraged the commission to review portions of the city budget. He assigned Mr. Youngblood to review JFRD and himself to review JSO, with other members to select categories.

Key Outcomes

• No votes taken due to lack of quorum (six members required; five present). Two excused absences (Mr. Barr and Kishan Hargrove).
• Budget Review Assignment: Commissioners agreed to divide and review sections of the proposed FY 2026–27 budget and report back at the September meeting. Chair Day will review public safety (JSO, JFRD); Mr. Tyson and Ms. Roundsville will select categories; Mr. Youngblood will review JFRD.
• PSG Data Study: The commission will continue discussion in September after receiving audit No. 901 from the council auditor. Mr. Lures will seek additional data for a more robust statistical analysis.
• Future Agenda Item: Ernest Smith’s request to form a subcommittee to address potential budget shortfalls from Amendment 3 (if passed in November) will be placed on the September agenda under new business.
• Motion to adjourn was moved and approved unanimously.