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JSEB committee backs raising minimum program funding to $750,000
Summary
The Jacksonville Small and Emerging Business (JSEB) special committee approved a change to city code raising the program's minimum annual allotment from $500,000 to $750,000; the change will require legislation to amend the ordinance and administration buy-in for budget execution.
The JSEB special committee voted to increase the JSEB program's minimum funding allocation from $500,000 to $750,000.
Committee members said the higher minimum is intended to support four newly launched entrepreneurship education centers and expand resources for small businesses that pursue city contracts.
The committee's motion to raise the minimum was made on the record and seconded; members responded by voice vote in favor. Counsel clarified that changing the minimum in city code will require filing legislation to amend the ordinance (section 126.605) and that the administration must fund the minimum in the budget or the budget ordinance would need a waiver. If the administration does not include the increased minimum in its proposed budget, the council could later decide whether to provide the funding and identify a source.
Supporters on the committee said the $250,000 increase would be used to expand services at four sites identified in the discussion: Golf Fair Boulevard, Phoenix Art District, the Downtown Library and Cecil Field. Administration staff told the committee the request had not yet been formally presented to the Mayor's Budget Review Committee (MBRC) but said it was an administration priority under discussion and likely to be formalized for the FY budget cycle.
Opponents did not block the motion but asked for clearer timing and that the administration formally include the request in MBRC so the council can assess funding sources during budget negotiations.
The committee moved on to other agenda items after the vote; staff and counsel said the ordinance amendment and budget implications would be handled through the normal legislative and budget processes for the city.
