News Summary
The Jacksonville City Council has finalized a $2 billion budget for 2026, which includes a significant reduction in property taxes and several spending restrictions. The budget faced criticism from public safety unions and the community regarding the potential loss of essential services. The contentious meeting lasted over 13 hours, highlighting deep divisions among council members and public sentiments. Key provisions included tax cuts and limitations on funding for certain services, all of which sparked robust debate before the budget’s approval.
Jacksonville, Florida – The Jacksonville City Council finalized a $2 billion budget for 2026 during a lengthy meeting that stretched over 13 hours, concluding in the early hours of Wednesday morning. The final vote reflected a decisive 15-2 approval, although two council members chose to abstain due to potential business conflicts.
The budget incorporates a proposed $13 million reduction in property taxes, a measure that passed by a narrow council vote of 10-9. However, this decision drew critique from public safety unions and business organizations, which raised concerns about the potential impact of diminishing property tax revenues on essential city services.
Apart from tax reductions, the budget also introduced several spending restrictions that have stirred controversy. These limitations target funding associated with abortion services, aid for immigrants lacking legal documentation, and initiatives focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. The presence of these contentious provisions sparked considerable debate among council members and the public.
During the lengthy meeting, which saw over 50 members of the public in attendance, many voiced their discontent with the proposed property tax cuts. Residents argued that such reductions would lead to a loss of vital city services while yielding only minimal savings for homeowners. Despite this sentiment, proponents of the tax cut maintained that the expected savings, however slight, were beneficial for the community.
The budget process encountered significant challenges following the introduction of the Diamond amendment, proposed by Council member Rory Diamond, which sought to impose stricter restrictions on how tax revenues could be spent. The proposal caused a considerable rift within the council, delaying progress on the budget approval. The gridlock was eventually addressed when Council member Will Lahnen opted to remove the Diamond amendment, thereby allowing the council to move forward with the budget.
In terms of property tax rates, the council set the millage rate at 11.3169 mills, noted to be the lowest among major cities in Florida. The millage rate decision required multiple voting attempts, further emphasizing the contentious nature of the budget discussions.
City Council President Kevin Carrico rejected suggestions to revisit the council’s earlier vote concerning the property tax rate, labeling such an action as equivalent to offering a ransom. The meeting also witnessed some council members walking out in protest against what they termed “divisive” language incorporated in proposed amendments.
Finance Committee Chairman Raul Arias acknowledged the crucial role played by Council member Lahnen as the swing vote that helped steer the budget towards approval. Mayor Donna Deegan, who had previously advocated for the budget to maintain the current millage rate, expressed her disappointment over the council’s decision. However, she commended the public for their engagement during the budgeting process.
In addition to the tax cuts and restrictions, the City Council approved supplemental funding to support community health care clinics and an affordable housing initiative, which aim to address pressing needs within the community.
The approved budget will now be submitted to Mayor Deegan for her signature, bringing the city one step closer to implementing its financial plan for 2026.
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Additional Resources
- Visit Jacksonville: Meeting Planner Toolkit
- News4Jax: Jacksonville City Council Meeting
- Action News Jax: City Council Approves Property Tax Cut
- Jacksonville.com: City Council Votes for Budget
- First Coast News: Jacksonville Council Tensions Rise
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.
