Council approves Neptune Beach park project after reallocating $385,000 to avoid using reserves

The Neighborhoods committee on March 2 approved bill 2026-0094 to fund a Neptune Beach park project after an amendment reallocated $385,000 from a previously proposed 2% departmental lapse restoration so the project would not rely on the city’s operating reserves.

Council Member Rory Diamond introduced the bill and said the City of Neptune Beach described the project for the committee; Council Member Ron Salem offered the amendment to shift $385,000 from the lapse restoration toward the Neptune Beach project, saying the town "is putting in over a half million dollars of their own money." The chair allowed the bill to proceed without an extended presentation from the city representative.

The amendment drew questions about the effect on completion grants and other nonprofit grants. Council Member Marorrow asked how the transfer would affect funds earmarked for completion grants; Mr. Peterson of the council’s office said the completion grant in question was scheduled for the FY26–27 budget and that staff expect to find other funding sources before then. Bill Delaney of the Mayor’s Office told the committee that public works and administration had not been looped into the bill prior to introduction and requested the sponsor coordinate with staff before implementation: "we're not going to commit to supporting it or to taking any action should it pass," he said, urging outreach to budget staff.

After debate, the committee adopted the amendment by voice vote and then approved the bill as amended on a recorded vote of seven yays, zero nays. Committee members asked the sponsor to work with administration staff on timing and implementation before the matter proceeds further.