Tensions escalate as the Jacksonville City Council clashes with the Office of General Counsel over the Meridian Waste contract. The council's approval of a 29% rate increase for trash hauler Meridian Waste, overridden by the mayor, sparked a legal debate raising questions about the separation of powers and the General Counsel's role in representing all council members.
The Jacksonville City Council and the Office of General Counsel held a heated special meeting at City Hall on Wednesday stemming from the city's contract with trash hauler Meridian Waste . The meeting arose from a potential lawsuit against Jacksonville, triggered by the council's approval of a 29% rate increase for Meridian Waste , which Mayor Donna Deegan subsequently vetoed. The council then overrode her veto with a 14-4 vote.
After the override, Deegan sought the city's general counsel, Michael Fackler, for his legal opinion. Fackler responded in a document stating that the council's move to approve the contract violated the separation of powers. This sparked intense debate during the special meeting, with some council members, including Councilman Rory Diamond, expressing their frustration over a perceived lack of communication from the General Counsel. Diamond questioned Fackler's commitment to representing all council members fairly, pointing out the infrequent communication between them. Fackler defended his actions, stating that he had offered opportunities for discussion and clarification but didn't proactively reach out on every issue. He also denied any threats towards council members who disagreed with him.The dispute’s origins lie in the council's approval of a 29% rate increase for Meridian Waste, amounting to $4 million annually over three years. Mayor Deegan vetoed the increase, favoring a 5% raise. Councilman Ron Salem, who called for the special meeting, expressed concerns about the potential precedent set by Fackler’s ruling. He highlighted 41 similar instances in the ordinance code where the council approved contracts, potentially facing the same separation of powers challenge. If the situation remains unresolved, Meridian Waste could sue the city, potentially costing taxpayers hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of dollars. Salem has drafted a resolution expressing a “lack of confidence” in Fackler's ability to serve as an unbiased General Counsel. The mayor, however, defended Fackler, stating he acted according to his duty, issuing difficult and sometimes unpopular rulings based on the City Charter
Jacksonville City Council Meridian Waste Contract Dispute General Counsel Separation Of Powers Legal Battle City Hall
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