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Record of Proceedings

Jacksonville Finance Committee Meeting – Sept 15, 2026: Budget Bills, JHA Presentation, JTA & KHA Debates

City Council — Tuesday, September 15, 2026
BodyJacksonville, Florida
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, September 15, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:43:01

Original source
Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it
0:07

Good afternoon, everyone, and welcome to Steve Casada's last ever finance committee meeting, who is retiring on Friday.

0:16

Let's go ahead and start off with introductions, starting with Miss Norris.

0:20

Brittany Norris for the administration.

0:22

Colleen Hamsey, Council Research, Mary Stefopoulos, Office of General Counsel.

0:26

Heather Bieber, Council Auditor's Office.

0:28

Philip Peterson, Council Auditor.

0:30

Ron Salem, group two at large visiting.

0:32

Rockmont Johnson, District 14.

0:34

And Steve, may you live long and prosper.

0:36

Good afternoon, Rory Diamond and George, District 13, the beaches.

0:40

Good afternoon, Chris Miller, at large group five.

0:43

Will Lane in District 3.

0:45

Mike Gay, District 2.

0:46

Randy White, District 12, and Michael Boylan, District 6.

0:50

Nick Howland at large, group three.

0:55

Good afternoon, Jimmy Peluso, District 7, just visiting.

0:58

All right, good afternoon, everyone.

1:00

So we do have we have 62 items on the agenda.

1:03

So we have a lot to get through ahead of uh budget night next week.

1:06

Uh we are going to start off with a uh presentation in just a minute by the Jacksonville Housing Authority.

1:12

Uh one thing I want to give an update on, I mentioned some other committees, but uh for about a year now I've been working with a group in town.

1:19

I think everyone knows that uh my first career was as a submarine officer, and the only warship ever named after Jacksonville is a recently decommissioned uh sub, the USS Jacksonville.

1:29

Uh we got permission from the Navy to receive its uh sales superstructure on Thursday.

1:34

They loaded it up and it's been on the road from Seattle uh the past couple of days.

1:39

It is arriving here in Jacksonville sometime between 11 and 1 tomorrow at uh the Finkinshury Marine Shipyard, which is the shipyard just north of the stadium.

1:48

And so we are gonna have a uh number of folks there, kind of like an arrival uh ceremony uh now that we will have the uh the sale of the only warship ever named after Jacksonville.

1:58

So this is something I was involved in, uh, not so much council related, just being a proud submarine veteran working with a number of other uh uh veterans' groups here in town also.

2:06

So you're all invited if you want to do that.

2:08

Again, no exact time, but sometime between 11 and one.

2:12

Uh they're in Tennessee going at 55 miles per hour because that's all they're allowed to go.

2:16

It's uh four flatbeds and quite a few uh uh hundreds of tons of uh metal that is coming here.

2:22

Uh with that, uh the housing authority.

2:24

Are y'all ready to go?

2:27

All right.

2:31

Do you mind if I approach sure?

2:33

Yeah, you can use the other screen there.

2:49

All right, thank you.

2:50

Um, for having the Jacksonville Housing Authority, and thank you, uh Chair, and then an entire finance committee.

2:55

I'm Sharon Corbett Waller, uh, the CEO for the Jacksonville Housing Authority, and our address is actually on file two.

3:02

Uh today I'm here just to give you an overview, uh highlight in regards to what we've done based upon a one-year cycle.

3:11

We recently redesigned our entire logo, just FYI.

3:14

We had a lot of comments.

3:15

Um, but overall, it's important just to understand our mission and vision for the agency.

3:20

And so we have a new entire mission.

3:22

Uh, our mission is to build and preserve affordable sustainable housing, manage public resources with accountability, which is key and critical, and champion pathways to long-term independence for every resident in which we serve.

3:35

And so, in a nutshell, we're truly dedicated to the residents that we serve here in the city of Jacksonville, Duval County.

3:42

We will continue to be efficient, uh, productive, and ensure that we preserve and expand housing that's affordable for all.

3:49

When we compare ourselves to other public housing authorities, it's a total of 3300 public housing authorities in the U.S.

3:55

And so our vision is quite unique.

3:58

Our vision here at the Jacksonville Housing Authority is to lead Jacksonville in housing excellence by maximizing public and private resources and innovative policies that will elevate the standard of living for all.

4:10

So you're gonna see more of that throughout this presentation.

4:14

We've also developed four new core values, which core values did not necessarily exist historically at the agency.

4:21

Core value number one is service first, core value number two is transparency, core value number three is efficiency, and our final core value is collaboration.

4:32

And that's why we're here today to present in front of you, because we do recognize the collaboration with city council, representatives from the various committees, key stakeholders within the community.

4:42

It's really advantageous for our agency to be able to forge forward and provide an expanding housing that's affordable for all.

4:49

Who do we serve?

4:51

We always get this question in regards to who do we serve for the Jacksonville Housing Authority.

4:56

And so during this presentation, I just wanted to speak with you about public housing, for example.

5:01

When you think of those that we serve, our average hit of household has an income annually that consists of about $15,000.

5:08

In addition to that, the average occupancy rate, they reside in public housing for about five point five years.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural█████████████████████████████████33%
Miscellaneous██████████████████18%
Budget██████████10%
Youth Programs█████████9%
Affordable Housing████████8%
Public Transportation███████7%
Public Comment██████6%
Public Service Grants███3%
Community Engagement███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Jacksonville Finance Committee Meeting – September 15, 2026

The Finance Committee of the Jacksonville City Council met on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 2:43 PM in Council Chamber to consider 62 agenda items, including the FY 2026-27 budget bills, a presentation by the Jacksonville Housing Authority (JHA), and numerous emergency appropriations. The meeting was chaired by Will Lahnen, with Vice Chair Chris Miller and members Michael Boylan, Rory Diamond, Mike Gay, Rahman Johnson, and Randy White present. Visitors included Council President Ron Salem and Council Members Nick Howland, Jimmy Peluso, and Matt Amaro.

Presentation by Jacksonville Housing Authority

Cheron Corbett (CEO, JHA) provided an overview of JHA’s mission, core values (service first, transparency, efficiency, collaboration), and economic impact. JHA is the third-largest public housing authority in Florida, with 2,300 occupied public housing units (95% occupancy) and over 8,300 housing choice voucher (HCV) units (98% occupancy). Average household income for residents is $15,000. JHA’s HCV program injects $103 million into the local economy annually. Ms. Corbett discussed new initiatives: a homeless preference policy, redevelopment of Franklin Arms (98 units into 130 senior units at ~$50 million total cost), and completion of five single-family homes using $1 million in city ERAP funds. Council Member Boylan asked about work requirements; Ms. Corbett stated JHA opted for a 30-hour/week work requirement (with exceptions for veterans, seniors, disabled, full-time students, and caretakers) as allowed by HUD. Council Member Johnson advocated for high-quality housing and collaboration with other agencies.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Jeannina Perez (Moms Rising, representing 18,000+ local families) opposed potential cuts to Kids Hope Alliance (KHA), stating that “an intent to cut is still a cut” and that families rely on after-school and summer programs. She urged the Council not to penalize children before Amendment 3 is voted on.
  • Yasmina White (parent) echoed concerns, noting that cutting KHA services would shift costs to working families already spending $275/month for elementary after-care and $250/month for middle school.
  • Sue Watson (Exchange Club Family Center) requested support for bill 2026-0673, explaining the center’s evidence-based child abuse prevention program. She stated the nonprofit applied for a Public Service Grant but faced technical issues, and urged funding to keep children out of foster care.
  • Daryl Patterson (retired firefighter) supported the Exchange Club, comparing its work to a “911 system” for abused children. He noted that serving 250 children last year cost $1,800 per family versus $105,000+ for foster care.

Discussion Items

  • Item 6 (2026-0505) – FY 27-31 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP): The committee approved amendments updating net debt project funds to $433,783,353 and adding a Projects Not Lapsed report. CM Gay abstained due to a conflict. Final vote: 7-0-1.
  • Item 7 (2026-0506) – UF Health/Shands Indigent Care: Amended to authorize Mayor to enter a Graduate Medical Education Intergovernmental Transfer (IGT) program contingent on Wolfson approval. Approved 8-0.
  • Item 8 (2026-0507) – IT System Development Program: Approved 7-1 (Diamond nay).
  • Item 9 (2026-0508) – Pension Liability Surtax Growth Rate: Maintained 4.25% assumption. Approved 7-1 (Diamond nay).
  • Item 10 (2026-0509) – Public Service Grants (PSG): Amended to make 35% of funding contingent on Amendment 3 results. Approved 7-1 (Diamond nay).
  • Item 11 (2026-0510) – Opioid Settlement Grants: $5,279,951 appropriated. Approved 8-0.
  • Item 12 (2026-0511) – Kids Hope Alliance (KHA) Budget: $50,323,032 approved with amendments. CM Lahnen expressed concern about KHA’s 17% annual growth, noting it outpaced public safety. Interim CEO Dana Kriznar committed that $5.2 million in rolled-over funds would not be awarded until after the November 3rd Amendment 3 vote. Approved 7-1 (Diamond nay).
  • Item 13 (2026-0512) – JEA Budget: Approved 6-1-1 (Diamond nay, Gay abstained).
  • Item 14 (2026-0513) – City Council Member Salaries: $1,999,721 approved 6-1 (Diamond nay).
  • Item 15 (2026-0514) – JTA Paratransit & Budget: Amended to adjust sales tax figures and ferry division costs. CM Diamond and Boylan questioned JTA’s customer service and financial challenges. JTA Interim CEO Mr. Ferguson pledged to address issues and not start new projects until a board meeting on September 23. Approved 8-0.
  • Item 17 (2026-0588) – REV Grant for 8000 Arlington: Amended to increase REV grant to $1,500,000 over 11 years, capital investment to $28.5 million, and then a floor amendment reduced capital investment to $20 million. Approved 7-1 (Boylan nay).
  • Item 18 (2026-0624) – PSG Micro-Grant Program: Rules amendment established 50% advance payment with documentation requirement. Approved 8-0.
  • Item 19 (2026-0634) – JEA Bond Authorization: Up to $3.9 billion (electric), $3.7 billion (water/sewer), $150 million (district energy). CM Gay abstained. Approved 7-0-1.
  • Item 21 (2026-0646) – Eastside Community Grants: $7,700,083.80 appropriated. Approved 7-1 (Diamond nay).
  • Item 31 (2026-0673) – Exchange Club Child Abuse Prevention: Amended to correct entity name and details. After debate on process, bill failed 2-5 (Johnson, White aye; Lahnen, Miller, Diamond, Gay, Boylan nay). Chair noted it could be discharged by Council President.
  • Item 32 (2026-0675) – Golf Cart Lease Amendment: Approved 7-0.
  • Item 33 (2026-0676) – Surplus Property for Affordable Housing: Four parcels donated to DKS Community Development LLC. Approved 7-0.
  • Item 35 (2026-0678) – Manatee Tank Youth Pitch Competition: $50,000 grant (no city match) approved. CM Diamond questioned the need for city to pass through private funds. Approved 7-0.
  • Item 37 (2026-0688) – Historic Stanton School Grant Extension: Emergency approved 6-1 (Diamond nay).
  • Item 39 (2026-0699) – Hospital Assessment Exemptions: Emergency code amendment to allow tax waivers for hospitals with CMS-approved waivers. Approved 6-1 (Diamond nay).
  • Item 42 (2026-0703) – Sponsorships for Unity Classic & Juneteenth: $50,000 (emergency). Approved 8-0.
  • Item 47 (2026-0708) – Blue Cypress Golf Course Clubhouse: $250,000 emergency (total project $2 million, with $1.2 million from Jacksonville University). Approved 8-0.
  • Item 49 (2026-0710) – Property Appraiser Budget Shortfall: $55,000 emergency transfer. Approved 7-0.
  • Item 50 (2026-0711) – Hazard Mitigation Property Acquisition: $141,120 (FEMA funded) emergency. Approved 7-0.
  • Item 52 (2026-0713) – City Hall Museum Furniture: $25,000 emergency. Approved 5-2 (Diamond, Gay nay).
  • Item 53 (2026-0714) – Downtown Public Space Maintenance: $717,482 emergency (including a FT employee and contract with Downtown Vision Inc.). Approved 6-1 (Diamond nay).
  • Item 56 (2026-0717) – Film Incentive ‘Project T’ Carryover: $400,000 emergency. CM Johnson noted major talent expected by November. Approved 6-1 (Diamond nay).
  • Item 58 (2026-0719) – Ritz Chamber Players Cultural Grant: $50,310.25 emergency. Approved 6-1 (Diamond nay).
  • Item 60 (2026-0721) – Jax Yacht Charter Economic Development Grant: $70,000 reimbursement grant. Failed 2-5 (Johnson, White aye; Lahnen, Miller, Diamond, Gay, Boylan nay).
  • Remaining Items: Items 1-5, 16, 30, 34, 36 deferred. Items 24, 25 withdrawn. Items 44-45, 48, 59, 62 read second and re-referred.

Key Outcomes

  • Votes on Major Budget Bills: The committee approved the FY 26-27 budgets for JEA, JTA, KHA, and the Capital Improvement Plan, along with numerous associated appropriations. Most budget bills passed with near-unanimous support; CM Diamond was the sole nay on several items.
  • KHA Budget Agreement: A formal commitment was made that $5.2 million in previously rolled-over KHA funds will not be awarded until after the November 3, 2026 Amendment 3 vote, allowing future Council action if needed.
  • Failed Items: Two bills failed: the Exchange Club child abuse prevention grant (2026-0673) and the Jax Yacht Charter reimbursement grant (2026-0721). Both failed by 2-5 votes, with CM Johnson and White supporting and the majority opposing.
  • Emergency Actions: 16 emergency items were approved, mostly to prevent lapse of funds on September 30, 2026, or to meet grant deadlines. Notable emergency approvals included Blue Cypress clubhouse funding, downtown maintenance, and the hospital assessment code amendment.
  • Deferrals and Withdrawals: Eight items were deferred (including three related to affordable housing and pension governance), and two items were withdrawn (title loan lender ordinance and Salvation Army funding).
  • Next Meeting: The Council’s next regular meeting is October 6, 2026. The budget adoption (second reading) is scheduled for September 22, 2026 (public hearing).

Meeting Transcript

Good afternoon, everyone, and welcome to Steve Casada's last ever finance committee meeting, who is retiring on Friday. Let's go ahead and start off with introductions, starting with Miss Norris. Brittany Norris for the administration. Colleen Hamsey, Council Research, Mary Stefopoulos, Office of General Counsel. Heather Bieber, Council Auditor's Office. Philip Peterson, Council Auditor. Ron Salem, group two at large visiting. Rockmont Johnson, District 14. And Steve, may you live long and prosper. Good afternoon, Rory Diamond and George, District 13, the beaches. Good afternoon, Chris Miller, at large group five. Will Lane in District 3. Mike Gay, District 2. Randy White, District 12, and Michael Boylan, District 6. Nick Howland at large, group three. Good afternoon, Jimmy Peluso, District 7, just visiting. All right, good afternoon, everyone. So we do have we have 62 items on the agenda. So we have a lot to get through ahead of uh budget night next week. Uh we are going to start off with a uh presentation in just a minute by the Jacksonville Housing Authority. Uh one thing I want to give an update on, I mentioned some other committees, but uh for about a year now I've been working with a group in town. I think everyone knows that uh my first career was as a submarine officer, and the only warship ever named after Jacksonville is a recently decommissioned uh sub, the USS Jacksonville. Uh we got permission from the Navy to receive its uh sales superstructure on Thursday. They loaded it up and it's been on the road from Seattle uh the past couple of days. It is arriving here in Jacksonville sometime between 11 and 1 tomorrow at uh the Finkinshury Marine Shipyard, which is the shipyard just north of the stadium. And so we are gonna have a uh number of folks there, kind of like an arrival uh ceremony uh now that we will have the uh the sale of the only warship ever named after Jacksonville. So this is something I was involved in, uh, not so much council related, just being a proud submarine veteran working with a number of other uh uh veterans' groups here in town also. So you're all invited if you want to do that. Again, no exact time, but sometime between 11 and one. Uh they're in Tennessee going at 55 miles per hour because that's all they're allowed to go. It's uh four flatbeds and quite a few uh uh hundreds of tons of uh metal that is coming here. Uh with that, uh the housing authority. Are y'all ready to go? All right. Do you mind if I approach sure? Yeah, you can use the other screen there. All right, thank you. Um, for having the Jacksonville Housing Authority, and thank you, uh Chair, and then an entire finance committee. I'm Sharon Corbett Waller, uh, the CEO for the Jacksonville Housing Authority, and our address is actually on file two. Uh today I'm here just to give you an overview, uh highlight in regards to what we've done based upon a one-year cycle. We recently redesigned our entire logo, just FYI. We had a lot of comments. Um, but overall, it's important just to understand our mission and vision for the agency. And so we have a new entire mission. Uh, our mission is to build and preserve affordable sustainable housing, manage public resources with accountability, which is key and critical, and champion pathways to long-term independence for every resident in which we serve. And so, in a nutshell, we're truly dedicated to the residents that we serve here in the city of Jacksonville, Duval County. We will continue to be efficient, uh, productive, and ensure that we preserve and expand housing that's affordable for all. When we compare ourselves to other public housing authorities, it's a total of 3300 public housing authorities in the U.S. And so our vision is quite unique. Our vision here at the Jacksonville Housing Authority is to lead Jacksonville in housing excellence by maximizing public and private resources and innovative policies that will elevate the standard of living for all.

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