On January 7, 2025, the City of Jacksonville's Finance Committee convened to discuss several pressing issues, including funding for a new technology installation at Jacksonville International Airport (JIA) and the implications of using specific city funds for this project.

The meeting began with a focus on the installation of a "protobox hologram" at JIA, which has raised questions regarding its funding sources. City auditors reported that they are awaiting clarification on whether the building inspection funds can legally be used for this project. Initial estimates suggest that the total cost for the hologram and its installation could be around $75,000, although there are discrepancies in reported figures. The committee is particularly concerned about ensuring compliance with state statutes that dictate how building inspection funds can be allocated.

Committee members expressed the need for transparency regarding the financial aspects of the project. The auditors highlighted that they had sent a series of questions to the administration on December 19, 2024, seeking detailed information about the funding and costs associated with the hologram installation. The administration's response is still pending, which has left some committee members frustrated.

In addition to the hologram discussion, the meeting touched on broader issues related to public participation in city governance. A council member lamented the removal of certain public participation measures from the legislative process, indicating a desire for more community engagement in city decisions.

The Finance Committee's discussions underscore the importance of fiscal responsibility and transparency in city projects, particularly as Jacksonville continues to navigate complex funding mechanisms and community needs. As the committee awaits further information from the administration, the implications of these discussions will likely resonate throughout the city's budgeting and planning processes in the coming months.