Jacksonville’s Duval Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is peeling back the layers of the city’s budget—and finding millions of taxpayer dollars tied up in stalled or outdated capital projects.

At its second official meeting on April 15, the City Council-appointed watchdog group examined more than 170 capital projects, zeroing in on those that haven’t spent any money since October 1, 2023, or are marked as complete but still have cash in the bank.

$100 Million in Sight—But Where’s It Going?

Among the findings:

• 36 completed projects were identified with a combined $17.25 million in remaining balances that could be closed out immediately.

• 65 projects totaling $81 million showed no spending activity over the past two budget cycles—some have remained idle for more than a decade.

Committee Chair Ron Salem (R-At Large Group 2) emphasized the urgency of reevaluating these dormant funds.

The committee will seek clarification from city departments before making final recommendations on whether to reallocate or return funds.

Broader Audit: From P-Cards to Parks

Beyond capital projects, DOGE has taken on a wide-ranging review of how the city manages its operations, resources, and taxpayer dollars. Here’s a breakdown of some of the committee’s key assignments and their current status:

✅ Growth in City Departments

• Complete. Reviewed FY17/18 to FY24/25 budget growth and flagged departments with spending growth that exceeded inflation and population increases (excluding public safety and constitutional offices).

🔍 Capital Projects Marked Complete

• 23 projects were confirmed completed with unspent funds; emails were sent to relevant departments to validate balances and determine if accounts can be closed.

⏸ Capital Projects with No Recent Activity

• 66 projects totaling $91 million were identified with no expenses since at least October 1, 2023.

• Emails sent to Public Works for status updates; responses pending for five key projects.

🏢 City Facilities Usage

• Initial outreach completed with parks and libraries regarding facility usage and proximity to programming.

• Early responses have been received; additional analysis underway.

👶 Children’s Services

• Information requests sent to Parks, Libraries, JFRD, Kids Hope Alliance, and Grants & Contract Compliance.

• Responses have come in from JFRD and other departments; summary forthcoming.

💳 City Credit Cards (P-Cards)

• Deputy CAO Kelli O’Leary is evaluating the number of cards issued.

• Targeting reductions and more oversight; update expected at the May 6 meeting.

🏛️ Charges to Independent Agencies

• Reviewing whether the city recovers the full cost of services it provides to authorities like JEA, JTA, and others.

• Still in progress.

🏦 Financial Service Expenses

• Will soon begin evaluating costs related to banking, investments, and credit card processing to identify opportunities for consolidation and savings.

✈️ Travel Policy

• Inspector General’s Office to provide recommended adjustments and policy updates at a future meeting.

💸 Overtime Expenses

• A comprehensive overview comparing overtime growth from FY17/18 to FY24/25 versus population and inflation will be presented and discussed at the April 15 meeting.

🏗️ Building Efficiency

• Assigned to Council Vice President Kevin Carrico.

• Awaiting vendor discussions to move forward.

What’s Next?

The committee’s final report is due June 25, but Chair Salem said their work may extend beyond that date, depending on the incoming Council President’s direction.

The underlying goal, Salem said, is not just to trim fat—but to return meaningful value to the public.

The committee reconvenes in three weeks, with more deep dives ahead.