JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville City Council, meeting Wednesday as a committee-of-the-whole on the proposed $1 billion gas tax increase, approved amendments to include $132 million for the Emerald Trail and to set aside $250 million in gas tax spending for direct contracting to local small, emerging or disadvantaged businesses.
Last week, City Council voted 16-2 to trim $132 million from the bill that would have been allocated to expand the JTA’s Skyway. The bill still includes $247 million in funding that could be used to overhaul the Skyway.
Council on Wednesday did vote down an amendment that would have put the 6-cent hike in the gas tax to a voter referendum. Members then voted 13-6 to advance the bill to a full vote at a special council meeting set for next Wednesday morning, according to reporting from the Florida Times-Union’s David Bauerlein.
It will require 11 votes to pass and voting to move the bill to a full Council vote does not ensure those same members will actually vote to raise the gas tax. According to the Times-Union, three members prefaced their votes saying they were still evaluating the legislation and one member who voted no said he was still open to hearing from his constituents.
Voting to advance the amended bill
| 13 voting yes | 6 voting no |
|---|---|
| Joyce Morgan | Al Ferraro |
| Michael Boylan | Aaron Bowman |
| Reggie Gaffney | LeAnna Cumber |
| Ju’Coby Pittman | Danny Becton |
| Garrett Dennis | Rory Diamond |
| Brenda Priestly Jackson | Kevin Carrico |
| Randy White | |
| Ron Salem | |
| Tommy Hazouri | |
| Matt Carlucci | |
| Sam Newby | |
| Randy DeFoor | |
| Terrance Freeman |
A UNF poll released Tuesday found 58% of Duval County respondents were against the measure. However, 68% said they support reallocating funds freed up by the gas tax toward phasing out failing septic tanks in Jacksonville.
Wednesday’s votes came the morning after Councilwoman Randy DeFoor heard from the public about the proposed 6-cent local gas tax hike at a town hall event at St. Johns Presbyterian Church.
DeFoor said there was a good turnout and good feedback both for and against the plan to increase the local gas tax from 6 cents to 12 cents to pay for transportation projects and infrastructure improvements.
During 90 minutes of conversation concerning the proposed tax, the youngest person News4Jax spoke with was the most vocally opposed.
“The city council doesn’t spend the money wisely,” said Cross Thomas. “They can invest more in the city and not on transit, which no one really even rides here in Jacksonville, they can invest in better things for us young people to do in Jacksonville.”
Others either hadn’t made their decision or knew why they support increasing the tax.
“I came out because I support the gas tax, I support the projects that are listed. But mostly I’m in favor of freeing up the funds to solve the septic tank problem, something that’s a cancer in our society,” Mary Alice Phelan said.
“I’m for the tax,” said Lena Blais. “I’m not sure exactly if I’m for everything that the money might be earmarked for.”
But several others told News4Jax they have concerns about how and where the money will be spent.
Jacksonville City Council President hosted an additional town hall Wednesday evening at the Mandarin Senior Center. Another one, hosted by council member Matt Carlucci, is planned for Thursday night.