Jacksonville Council Votes on $2B Budget, 1/8‑Mill Cut

Jacksonville City Council is set to vote on a nearly $2 billion budget that includes a proposed 1/8‑mill property tax cut expected to save taxpayers about $13 million. The cut is being pushed by state officials — including CFO Jimmy Patronis and the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) — and backed by the Republican-led finance committee, while Mayor Donna Deegan, police and fire unions and labor groups warn it could force cuts to essential public safety and city services. A three-part amendment would block funding for diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and for immigrants without legal status. Two council members (District 2’s Mike Gay and At‑Large Terrance Freeman) are abstaining because of conflicts of interest, making the vote potentially razor‑thin since ten votes are required and failure to pass a budget by Oct. 1 could risk state withholding of funds. Large turnouts and heated public testimony — including many residents urging the council not to accept even small personal savings — have underscored how politically charged the vote is.