JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – After nearly 14 hours of intense debate, the Jacksonville City Council officially passed a $2 billion city budget, in what’s being called one of the most contentious budget battles in recent memory.
The decision came just before 4 a.m. Wednesday, with the City Council passing the budget 15-2. District 3 Councilman Will Lahnen was the one who changed his vote so an agreement could be made.
Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan sent a statement shortly after learning her budget proposal had passed, saying in part that she feels grateful the City Council fulfilled its responsibility to pass a budget.
“Thank you to the thousands of people who made their voices heard during the budget process. So many of you urged us to continue investing in Jacksonville’s momentum,” Deegan wrote in part.
Scroll down to read Deegan’s full statement
Last night, the city council also passed the 1/8th millage rate reduction by a vote of 10-9. The decision is expected to save about $13 million in property taxes.
“Cutting the millage sends a clear message that we must control spending, not demand more revenue,” Councilman Ron Salem said.
Councilman Rahman Johnson had a different take.
“The eighth of a mill means this money carved we will take things away from people,” he said.
Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia and the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) pushed for the tax cut, arguing that Jacksonville residents have been overtaxed by $200 million over the past five years.
But it was a proposal from Councilman Rory Diamond that caused a significant delay in the passing of that budget.
Just before 1 a.m., Diamond’s “Big Beautiful Budget Amendment” passed by a similar 10-9 vote. However, that vote was later reconsidered, and councilmembers ultimately decided not to include Diamond’s proposal in the budget.
That amendment would have blocked any future city funding for:
- Services for undocumented immigrants
- DEI programs
- And abortion-related care
Diamond admitted these items weren’t currently in the budget, but said he wanted to make sure they never are.
That proposal sparked immediate pushback — with several councilmembers saying, this wasn’t the place for political statements.
“This is a budget folks. This is serious business. This is not the time to make a political statement,” Councilman Matt Carlucci said.
But the turning point came from District 3 Councilman Will Lahnen.
“I supported you, not just on this but on ACPS, and I’m proud of the growing number of 17 to 2 votes against downtown cash incentives, and I look forward to joining you on those. However, we have to pass that budget, so I will be voting no on the Diamond amendment the next time it comes up. Again, I am doing this so we can pass our budget tonight,” Lahnen said.
Lahnen changed his vote — from yes to no — helping the council break the stalemate and move forward.
The budget debate sparked heated exchanges and even walkouts at previous council meetings.
Mayor Deegan expressed disappointment that the millage rate was still reduced, but celebrated that Diamond’s amendments were not included in Wednesday’s decision.
Read Mayor Deegan’s full statement below:
“Thank you to the thousands of people who made their voices heard during the budget process. So many of you urged us to continue investing in Jacksonville’s momentum. While I’m disappointed by the millage rate vote, especially given the strong sentiments from the public, the City Council has fulfilled their primary responsibility to pass a budget. I respect their decision and their work.
I’m especially grateful that they removed divisive and unnecessary policy amendments that should never have been included. We started yesterday with prayers from the faith community. I pray that we start to heal from this difficult budget season and move forward together with love for Jacksonville guiding us.”
Mayor Donna Deegan