JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jerry Holland, the Duval County Supervisor of Elections, is sounding the alarm that critical money his office requested was left out of the mayor’s proposed budget.
Holland said on Wednesday the amount is over $800,000 and he fears it could have an impact on operations for the upcoming Presidential election in November.
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“Some of the items such as sending sample ballots out in November was not funded, sending voter information cards that we used for list maintenance was not funded,” Holland said. “A reduction of what we use to actually get the message out in advertising was reduced.”
Holland said his office made a presentation to the administration but to no avail. Holland said his office is now working to restore the money, and it is doing it in a couple of different ways.
“Asking the administration if we can find savings this year, that we can purchase the things we need to for the November election, so we can reduce the amount of deficit,” Holland said. “And also looking at grant money that we can use. So, we’re going to try to make up the deficit.”
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Holland said he has also met with city council members who are positive about restoring what his office needs. He went on to explain that election years are not all the same and the needs can change based on what is happening.
“Year to year, we have different budgets,” Holland said. “We go from two elections to one for two years in a row, and then we go to three. So, we’re not from year to year the same.”
Holland told News4JAX he’s optimistic the money will be restored, and things will work out.
“I’m very optimistic because the people I’m talking to want to see it restored,” Holland said. “But again, without the money, it makes devastating cuts in the November election.”
Mayor Deegan’s office followed up with News4jax Thursday morning following a request for comment. In an email, the administration said: “We have identified a funding solution and it will be going through the Mayor’s Budget Review Committee on Monday.”
Previously, the administration referred us to Mayor Donna Deegan’s explainer video, where she talked about the proposed budget and reserves.
“We have a very responsible budget. We have a balanced budget. We will always have a balanced budget,” Deegan said. “We also have to make sure that we are making the investments in our city that will create the best return for our citizens.”