News Summary
Jacksonville is set to vote on a crucial budget proposal, amidst claims from Florida’s CFO that the city has overtaxed residents by over $200 million. Mayor Deegan counters these allegations, stating funds are allocated to essential services like public safety. The budget discussions are further complicated by concerns over local nonprofit organizations, with nearly 35% operating at a loss. As the city braces for the vote, debates on taxation and the impacts on community services intensify.
Jacksonville is facing a critical vote on its budget scheduled for September 23, 2025. This decision follows a controversial claim from Florida’s Chief Financial Officer, Blaise Ingoglia, who argues that the city has overtaxed its residents by more than $200 million in the last five years. Ingoglia’s audit suggests that the city is overspending by approximately $199,853,114, with estimates indicating the figure could rise to between $230 million and $240 million.
Mayor Donna Deegan has responded to these allegations by stating that all property tax revenue is allocated for critical services, specifically police and fire departments. Deegan expressed her confusion about where the city could potentially reduce $200 million if Ingoglia’s claims were proven true. The Mayor also criticized Ingoglia for not providing substantial evidence to back up his assertions regarding the budget.
In his recommendations, Ingoglia suggested a reduction of the city’s millage rate by 1.19 mils, which could yield a savings of approximately $600 annually for Jacksonville taxpayers. However, Deegan emphasized that Jacksonville already possesses the lowest property tax rate among major cities in Florida, highlighting the city’s substantial investments in public safety and infrastructure. Furthermore, she pointed out that Ingoglia’s claims overlook the recent addition of police officers and a historic 22% raise for first responders.
In the broader context of Jacksonville’s financial landscape, Ingoglia noted a growing concern regarding city staffing levels, indicating that the city has added one new government employee for every 88 new residents since the population increased, which he described as unsustainable. This assertion has raised alarms about the growth of government spending relative to population growth.
The implications of the budget and potential cuts extend beyond immediate city services. Dawn Lockhart, CEO of the Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida, indicated that around 35% of local nonprofit organizations are currently operating at a loss, worsened by funding cuts. She stated that the nonprofit sector is struggling to maintain its missions due to diminished funding and the loss of support from the CARES Act. Lockhart urged city leaders to consider how budget cuts might adversely affect community services that are in high demand.
In an effort to address the challenges faced by the local community, the Nonprofit Center has launched a dashboard called “Catalyst” designed to provide essential information concerning community conditions. This tool aims to facilitate informed decision-making among residents and local leaders in light of the city’s budget challenges.
In conclusion, Mayor Deegan has expressed her willingness to host discussions with CFO Ingoglia’s team regarding the budget issues at hand. As Jacksonville prepares for the upcoming city council vote, the debate surrounding the budget will likely intensify, raising critical questions about taxation, public safety funding, and the financial viability of local nonprofit organizations.
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Additional Resources
- News4Jax: Dawn Lockhart and Mayor Donna Deegan Discuss Challenges Facing Jacksonville Nonprofits
- News4Jax: Mayor Deegan Defends Lean Budget Ahead of Vote
- Action News Jax: City Council Wars Over Proposed Budget
- News4Jax: Mayor Launches Town Hall Series for Jacksonville Budget
- Wikipedia: Jacksonville, Florida
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
