QUINCY, Fla. (WTXL) — The Quincy Community Redevelopment Agency reviewed its 2025–26 budget Tuesday evening as multiple investigations into its finances remain underway.
- The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is among the agencies investigating the CRA’s fund management.
- CRA leaders previously agreed to receive updates on the investigation every two weeks.
- Watch the video to see what the CRA discussed Tuesday and why some neighbors are concerned.
BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:
Quincy's Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) hosted a budget workshop, focusing on funding priorities for 2025–2026. One thing missing from the conversation: the ongoing investigations into the CRA’s finances.
During the workshop, leaders reviewed funding for programs like small business grants, advisory board training, and conferences. Conference funds for 2026 are set to be cut in half—from $1,200 down to $600—while the board discussed adding more money to the small business program.
“I would much rather that we understand what's being done, what's being put where, what money goes where, and whatnot…that we all understand what we’re going to be paying for and what we’re going to be doing. Because when we start getting invoices, we want to know that the money is being spent and allocated the way we intended,” said CRA board member, Vivian Howard.
But one concern that stood out was housing. Despite promises last year, no new housing projects moved forward. And this year's budget only sets aside $100,000.
Community members questioned why more funding isn't being directed to housing instead of expanding small business grants.
One neighbor said, “That's where you need to move it to because you only got $100,000. Y'all are talking about doing all these houses, but no money has been moved to that line yet. So you've been wasting your time."
The board says this workshop was designed to clean up the budget before it's presented for approval. Still, residents left with more questions about priorities and questioned whether the funding is being directed where it's most needed.
The agency did not address the FDLE investigation about possible misuse of finances in the workshop Tuesday.
As the CRA looks ahead to next year's budget, community members say transparency and accountability should remain front and center.
Want to see more local news? Visit the WTXL ABC 27 Website.
Stay in touch with us anywhere, anytime.
