JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville City Council will meet Monday afternoon to review Mayor Donna Deegan’s budget.
The $2 billion budget was passed in September after a contentious back-and-forth between council members, and with property taxes being a huge point of focus.
However, heading into 2026, the approved budget could present some challenges for the city as it has been under the microscope by the state.
Governor Ron DeSantis and Florida’s CFO Blaise Ingoglia have accused Jacksonville of wasteful spending and overtaxing its residents by nearly $200 million.
Last week, lawmakers also gave the green light to seven constitutional amendments aiming at property tax reforms, which has been a huge push from the governor.
While this could help homeowners, city officials warn it could cripple funding for police, fire, and infrastructure.
Mayor Donna Deegan has called the state’s moves “partisan attacks” that distract from important local issues like affordable housing and healthcare costs.
One of the seven constitutional amendments approved by lawmakers could eliminate property taxes.
This would establish a homestead exemption for all non-school property taxes.
The amendment would also prohibit local governments from reducing their law enforcement funding. But again, city leaders are warning that cuts may have to happen.
Those constitutional amendments still have to get support from 60% of voters in the next election to take effect, which wouldn’t be until 2027.
Back in September, some of the highlights of what was passed in the city’s budget included efforts to streamline the permit process for small businesses, address affordable housing and homelessness, and the 1/8 reduction to the millage rate.
MORE | Mayor Deegan ‘disappointed’ by millage rate vote, but grateful City Council passed $2B budget
City officials say it is on track to save the city nearly $13 million in property taxes.
The budget review is set to start at 2 p.m. at City Hall.
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