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Atlantic Beach accepts one‑year amendment with Jacksonville that reduces fire payment by $750,000
Summary
The City Commission approved an amendment to its interlocal fire and rescue agreement with the City of Jacksonville that reduces Atlantic Beach’s payment by $750,000 for the remainder of a two‑year term. Commissioners debated adding a deadline for further negotiations before approving the temporary relief.
The Atlantic Beach City Commission voted 4–1 to approve an amended agreement with the City of Jacksonville that reduces the city’s payment for fire and rescue services by $750,000 for the remainder of a two‑year term. Mayor Ford cast an affirmative vote; Commissioner Ring was the lone dissenter.
Supporters said the amendment provides immediate budget relief while the two cities continue broader negotiations. "I believe Mayor Deegan acted in good faith," Mayor Ford said, describing the stopgap as a workable short‑term remedy while the parties pursue a third‑party study. Former mayor Don Wolfson and longtime resident Brinkley Harrell urged the commission to insist on a firm deadline and contingency language so Jacksonville would return to the table before next year’s renewal.
Opponents and some commissioners argued that the letter between the mayors lacks binding deadlines. Commissioner Ring pressed for a contingency clause that would require Jacksonville to reach an agreement by a specific date or for Atlantic Beach to withhold future payments; the commission moved to amend but the motion failed for lack of a second. City Attorney and staff said the amendment is a temporary change within the existing extension, and that the two‑year agreement expires May 31, 2026, creating a natural point for further negotiation.
Commissioners and speakers noted long historic tensions over allocation of countywide services. Resident Brinkley Harrell cited language from the City of Jacksonville charter that, in his view, frames fire protection as a countywide responsibility. Commissioners said the city will press for a broader interlocal solution and a third‑party study intended to inform longer‑term negotiations.
The vote took place after public comment in which several residents and former elected officials urged the commission to secure stronger protections for Atlantic Beach if the city accepts a reduced payment. The resolution authorizes the city manager to execute the amendment and to continue pursuit of the independent study and interlocal negotiations. The commission approved the resolution on roll call: Commissioner Boyle — Aye; Commissioner Grant — Aye; Commissioner Kelly — Aye; Commissioner Ring — Nay; Mayor Ford — Aye.
Next steps outlined by staff include engaging a third‑party analyst (the city reported outreach to the University of North Florida and other vendors) and returning to the commission with study results and negotiation options ahead of the agreement’s expiration.
