No Layoffs For JSO But Millage Rate May Increase

"The city's top cop, Sheriff John Rutherford, said no officers will receive pink slips because of the city's budget. The news comes after weeks of heated debate between Rutherford and city council members over budget cuts."

"He made the decision not to cut 92 community service officers after Mayor John Petyon and city council members met on Monday to review the city's spending plan. JSO will keep money that was on the chopping block, but that means property taxes in Duval County could go up for the first time in nearly 20 years. "

"Rutherford said the department is now leaner than ever. He pointed out that he's already making $12.6 million in cuts by trimming things like salaries and about a dozen office staff."