News Summary
City Councilman Terrance Freeman is calling for a voluntary financial audit of Jacksonville by the Florida Department of Government Efficiency. This initiative aims to promote financial transparency and effective use of taxpayer dollars. However, concerns arise as Mayor Donna Deegan critiques the proposal, suggesting it may duplicate existing efforts with an independent audit already in process. As the debate unfolds, residents are encouraged to stay informed on the city’s financial management practices.
Jacksonville City Councilman Calls for Financial Audit
Jacksonville is making headlines as City Councilman Terrance Freeman takes bold steps to boost financial transparency in the city. On April 7, 2025, Freeman filed a resolution that requests a voluntary financial audit of the City of Jacksonville by the Florida Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This initiative is designed to ensure that taxpayer dollars are used effectively and efficiently, a goal that many residents can get behind.
Driving Forces Behind the Resolution
Freeman’s resolution comes on the heels of Governor Ron DeSantis’ Executive Order 25-44, signed in February 2025, which set up the DOGE task force. This task force has a clear mission: to review state government efficiency and cut out the unnecessary red tape that often clogs up local government operations. Other counties like Hillsborough and Bay have already jumped on board, inviting DOGE to guide their financial audits. With this momentum, Freeman hopes Jacksonville will join the ranks and become a leader in this essential initiative.
What’s the Goal?
The primary aim of Freeman’s resolution is to foster a culture of transparency and accountability in the use of taxpayer money. By inviting the DOGE team to take a close look at Jacksonville’s finances, Freeman believes it will complement the ongoing efforts of the city council’s “Duval DOGE” special committee, which is currently scrutinizing city spending. The committee is expected to wrap up their findings and submit a final report by the end of June 2025. Freeman has been vocal about his belief that enhancing oversight through state support will greatly benefit the city’s financial management.
The Debate Over Duplicate Efforts
However, not everyone is on board with Freeman’s proposal. The office of Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan has taken a critical stance, arguing that Freeman’s resolution may duplicate efforts already underway. According to her office, an independent external auditor is being hired, in compliance with the City Charter, to conduct a thorough review of the city’s finances. The selected firm for this audit is Carr, Riggs & Ingram, a Jacksonville-based accounting firm, with the expected cost hovering around $425,000. Deegan’s team worries that adding another layer of auditing could lead to inefficiencies and a waste of taxpayer resources.
Freeman’s Perspective
In light of the concerns raised, Freeman acknowledges the importance of the external audit but insists that welcoming additional state oversight would bolster transparency. He has expressed confusion over why some might resist this initiative, particularly those who campaigned on a platform of enhancing transparency in local government. For Freeman, securing a financial audit from the DOGE team presents an opportunity for Jacksonville to step up its game, placing itself among the largest municipalities in Florida to engage voluntarily with state efficiency efforts.
The Bigger Picture
Freeman also commended the diligent work of the Duval DOGE committee, recognizing their comprehensive review of the city’s budgets, but he remains focused on the need for *greater efficiency* and waste reduction. The DOGE program is rapidly gaining traction as more counties recognize the value of financial oversight. By leading the way, Freeman envisions Jacksonville as a model for other cities in ensuring accountabilities, such as responsible spending and *efficient* management of taxpayer funds.
What’s Next?
As the discussion around financial audits continues, Jacksonville residents can keep an eye on how this situation unfolds. With tensions between different municipal offices and differing perspectives on the best way forward, one thing is certain: the conversation about spending, transparency, and accountability in Jacksonville is just getting started. Whether Freeman’s resolution finds support or not, the push for efficient use of taxpayer dollars is bound to remain at the forefront of public discourse in the city.
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