Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan has scheduled a series of six town halls to discuss her proposed $2.02 billion city budget for 2025-26.
The sessions are scheduled from Sept. 2 through Sept. 18 and will be held as Jacksonville City Council prepares to finalize the budget before the start of the city’s fiscal year on Oct. 1. Going into final budget hearings, at least 10 Council members – a majority of the 19-member board – say they’ll vote for a millage rate reduction that would require cuts in Deegan’s proposed spending.
Deegan has opposed spending reductions recommended by the Council Finance Committee, saying the cuts would hinder the city in providing essential services for the city’s growing population. She says the proposed millage rate cut of one-eighth of a mill would provide little relief for property owners.
A mill is $1 of tax for every $1,000 of assessed property valuation. According to Deegan’s office, the owner of a Jacksonville property with an assessed property value of $200,000 and a $50,000 homestead exemption would see an annual tax savings of $18.75.
On Aug. 25, nine Council members held a media event to express support for the mill rate reduction. Council member Will Lahnen, a Finance Committee member who voted for the reduction but did not attend the event, confirmed Aug. 26 he would vote to cut the rate.
In addition to Lahnen, supporters of the cut are Council President Kevin Carrico, Vice President Nick Howland and members Raul Arias, Joe Carlucci, Rory Diamond, Terrance Freeman, Matt Gay, Chris Miller and Ron Salem.
Deegan’s town halls are set to begin at 6 p.m. The schedule is as follows:
The town halls will be free and open to the public.