Jacksonville, FL — Jacksonville City Council Member Rory Diamond is facing sharp criticism from a colleague after raising concerns about potential misuse of taxpayer dollars in the city’s telehealth contracts — despite offering no evidence of illegal activity.

The controversy erupted during a public meeting earlier this week, when Diamond suggested that the city’s agreements with private telehealth providers may not be delivering sufficient value for residents. He questioned whether taxpayer funds were being spent responsibly, citing rising costs and limited oversight mechanisms.

While his comments stopped short of alleging criminal wrongdoing, they quickly drew a rebuke from fellow council member Ron Salem, who accused the remarks of being “reckless” and potentially damaging to public trust.

Concerns Raised Over Oversight

Jacksonville has invested millions of dollars in telehealth services over the past three years, aiming to expand access to medical care for underserved communities. The contracts, which cover virtual consultations, mental health support, and chronic disease management, were touted as a cost-effective way to reduce strain on emergency rooms and improve health outcomes.

Diamond argued that the city has not conducted sufficient audits to ensure providers are meeting performance benchmarks. “We owe it to taxpayers to verify that these services are not just convenient, but also accountable,” he said during the meeting.

Pushback From Colleagues

Council Member Salem pushed back strongly, warning that raising suspicions without evidence could undermine confidence in programs that many residents rely on. “Throwing around allegations of misuse without proof is irresponsible,” Salem said. “These contracts were vetted, debated, and approved through proper channels.”

Other council members expressed concern that the debate could politicize what has largely been seen as a bipartisan effort to expand healthcare access.

Community Reaction

Local healthcare advocates voiced mixed reactions. Some praised Diamond’s call for greater transparency, noting that public health contracts should always be subject to scrutiny. Others worried that the controversy could discourage residents from using telehealth services, particularly in neighborhoods where access to in-person care remains limited.

“This is a vital program for families who can’t afford to miss work or travel long distances for medical appointments,” said Angela Harris, director of a local nonprofit. “We should be improving oversight, not casting doubt on whether the program should exist.”

Next Steps

The council is expected to revisit the issue in upcoming committee hearings, where members may consider proposals for additional audits or reporting requirements. City officials have emphasized that no evidence of fraud or misuse has been found to date.

Mayor Donna Deegan has not commented directly on the dispute but reiterated the administration’s commitment to expanding healthcare access.

As the debate continues, the episode highlights the delicate balance between accountability and public confidence in taxpayer-funded programs — and the political risks of raising concerns without clear evidence.