The Jacksonville City Council’s Finance Committee has voted to tie funding for local arts and nonprofits to the outcome of a property tax referendum. The committee voted 7-1 to hold back $3.6 million from the city’s public service grants and $3.5 million from the city’s community arts funding arm, the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville.

Background

The move is in preparation for an expected $300 million shortfall by 2028 if Florida voters approve a property tax cut referendum in November. Committee Chair Will Lahnen and council President Nick Howland stated that they want to fund only what is determined by the committee as core city services.

The decision affects funding for Jacksonville nonprofits, including those that provide services such as telehealth for the uninsured. The committee also voted to eliminate $237,427 that went to pay the city’s membership dues for various organizations.

Reaction

Some committee members expressed concerns about the impact of the funding cuts on local organizations, particularly those that provide services to children. Cultural Council Executive Director Diana Donovan noted that $207,000 of the grant awards are used to fund children’s programming.

Council member Terrance Freeman asked that the measure be tabled to research which nonprofits are solvent enough to temporarily operate with only 50% of their city funding. He ultimately voted yes but was concerned that children’s programs tied to school schedules were already operating and could be hurt by the funding uncertainty.

Original reporting: Jacksonville Today — read the source article.