The City of Jacksonville's Finance Committee convened for its third budget hearing on August 14, 2025, focusing on various departmental budgets, including parks and animal control services. A significant discussion emerged regarding the financial sustainability of local parks and the need for adjustments in animal licensing fees.

Hannah Park was highlighted as a model of self-sufficiency, with its $2.8 million budget fully covered by user fees from annual passes and rentals. This contrasts sharply with Huguenot Park, which required a $355,000 subsidy from the general fund due to insufficient fee revenue. Committee members expressed a desire to reevaluate Huguenot Park's fee structure to reduce reliance on taxpayer funding and align it more closely with Hannah Park's successful model.

In the realm of animal control, the committee addressed a projected $252,000 deficit stemming from changes in the processing of pet licensing fees. The new system, which outsources data entry, has resulted in a decrease in revenue from pet licenses. Some committee members proposed increasing the licensing fee from $20 to $24.25 to help offset this deficit. However, others suggested waiting to see if the new system improves revenue before making any changes.

The discussion also touched on staffing levels at the animal control facility, with calls for increased funding to hire more personnel. Current staff levels are insufficient to meet the growing demands of animal care and control, particularly as the shelter has seen a rise in both adoptions and the number of animals taken in. The committee acknowledged the improvements made in recent years but recognized that additional resources are necessary to enhance service delivery.

As the budget process continues, the committee plans to revisit these issues, particularly the potential for fee adjustments and staffing increases, to ensure that Jacksonville's parks and animal control services can effectively meet community needs without over-reliance on general fund subsidies. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential recommendations to the city council to address these pressing financial and operational challenges.