JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville City Council is set to vote Tuesday on a $2 billion budget that could shape the city’s future for years.
The proposal includes a property tax cut and reductions in funding for several core social services, and it’s sparking one of the most contentious political battles City Hall has seen in years.
The vote could also mark the first major test of influence for a newly formed state agency backed by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
At the center of the debate is a proposed 1/8 mill reduction in property taxes, which supporters say would save taxpayers $13 million.
Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia and the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) are pushing for the tax cut, arguing that Jacksonville residents have been overtaxed by $200 million over the past five years.
“We are seeing it at all levels of government,” said CFO Blaise Ingoglia, a vocal advocate for the cut.
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The Republican-led City Council finance committee supports the reduction, but Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan is pushing back, warning that lower tax revenues could force cuts to essential services.
“All of our property taxes — every bit of it — goes to police and fire,” Deegan said during an appearance on “This Week in Jacksonville.” “If we cut $200 million, I don’t know where that would come from.”
The mayor also touted the North Florida Central Labor Council’s letter that opposed a millage rate reduction, calling for city council to reject the proposed cuts.
“The North Florida Central Labor Council has joined our police and fire unions in speaking out with one voice that represent tens of thousands of working families. They know we must invest in all people and the essential services that make Jacksonville a desirable – and affordable – place to live," Deegan said in a statement.
The proposed budget also includes potential reductions in funding for:
- Affordable housing initiatives
- Homelessness programs
- Health care assistance
- Public libraries
Additional controversy is coming from proposed amendments introduced by Councilmember Rory Diamond, which would prohibit city funds from being used to support:
- Abortion access
- Services for undocumented residents
- Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs
The budget debate has already sparked heated exchanges and even walkouts at previous council meetings.
Michael Binder, faculty director of the University of North Florida’s Public Opinion Research Laboratory, says cultural and political divisions are increasingly shaping local policy.
“I think there’s going to be some surprises,” Binder said. “There will be some votes that you might not expect in one direction or another.”
Binder also warned against allowing national political culture wars to dominate local decision-making.
“You can compromise on a budget. You can’t compromise on these social and cultural issues,” he said. “Those are the things really ripping D.C. apart, and you don’t want to see them filter into local city government.”
The stakes are high. If the budget is not approved, Jacksonville could lose up to $232 million in state funding.
Members of organizations that support the mayor’s budget, like the Northside Coalition of Jacksonville, are expected to attend Tuesday’s meeting. Kelly Fraizer, NCOJ president, called for the community to wear black to stand in solidarity.
The council meeting is scheduled for 3 p.m. at City Hall. City officials are bracing for a packed house and a potentially razor-thin vote.