Neighborhoods Committee approves $15 million package for colleges, workforce training after debate on clawbacks and budget risk

The Jacksonville Neighborhoods Committee voted to approve a multi-project funding package (bill 20250781) that directs $2.675 million this fiscal year to planning, design and permitting for local institutions and workforce programs and attaches tighter clawback and audit provisions.

The bill had drawn public comment from apprenticeship and trade associations that urged support for workforce training. Kirk Barris, training director for the Jacksonville Plumber and Pipe Fitter Apprenticeship, said his program serves roughly 1,500 members and urged the council to include registered apprenticeship programs. "If there's funds available, we would greatly appreciate it," he said.

Committee staff and bill sponsors walked the committee through a substitute that corrected account information, attached revised exhibits for Edward Waters University (EWU), the University of North Florida (UNF) and Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ), and clarified that city disbursements are on a reimbursement basis. Philip Peterson (council office) said city funding would be payable as projects reach milestones and that the city would be entitled to full repayment if a project failed to substantially complete the construction of the facility.

Edward Waters University representatives told the committee that EWU seeks $2.675 million this year for design and preconstruction. Michael West, service vice president for operations at Edward Waters University, said the money is "specifically for design, preconstruction, and planning for this project," and described a separate loan term sheet being finalized to complete the construction.

Council members pressed for limits on future commitments. Councilman Salem and others questioned whether references in the term sheet to a 37.5% city share would bind future councils; staff said the percentage was a formula tied to a notional $40 million project and that the $2.675 million appropriation this year would be reimbursable and limited to design/permitting costs. An amendment offered by Councilman Alvin Bullen narrowed the focus to the current fiscal-year request, required EWU to document other funding, made disbursement strictly reimbursement-based, and set a date certain for project completion. The amendment also included a clawback provision requiring repayment to the city if the Living Learning Community Center is not realized by Sept. 30, 2028.

Auditor-recommended technical amendments were added to require evidence of funding commitments by EWU and UNF and to treat the FSCJ purchase as a 10-year forgivable loan with an extended recoupment schedule. Peterson said workforce training reimbursements would be strictly on a per-graduate basis ("I believe it's $3,250 per student that graduates from the program").

Opponents pressed the committee on a broader fiscal context: Councilman Miller repeatedly noted an auditor estimate of a $62 million projected deficit next year and asked how the city would reconcile that with new appropriations now. Supporters argued the package is an investment in workforce development and economic growth that could pay dividends over time. "Great cities invest in themselves," former council president Carlucci said.

After rolling up the approved amendments, the committee approved the bill on a recorded vote of 4 yeas and 2 nays. The committee also instructed staff that the city’s audit rights and reimbursement procedures be explicit in the final funding agreements.

Next steps: the bill will proceed according to the council's legislative schedule with the adopted amendments and required supporting documentation for disbursements.