Mayor Donna Deegan spoke out Thursday in response to a trio of bills filed by a Republican councilman that are aimed at limiting her budget authority and capping city spending.
Republican Councilmember Rory Diamond (R-District 13) argued his legislation is aimed at fiscal responsibility.
>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<
One bill seeks to prohibit city spending on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Diamond told Action News Jax the measure is specifically aimed at eliminating the city’s Chief of Diversity and Inclusion.
“People in Jacksonville don’t want this. They want people treated the same because of their merit, not because of the color of their skin or whatever their personal life is,” said Diamond.
The measure ties in with Diamond’s second bill, which would prevent the mayor from reallocating more than $100,000 in city funds without council approval.
Diamond claimed it’s in response to the mayor shifting money around within her own office’s budget to fund the Diversity and Inclusion Chief’s $185,000-a-year salary after the council refused to fund the position.