City budget and fiscal priorities
The City Council approved a roughly $2.03 billion general fund budget for FY 2026-27 holding the millage rate steady at 11.1919 mills, prioritizing public safety (over 53% of the fund) with no reserve draw. Critics including mayoral challenger Wyman Duggan and the state CFO highlight spending growth under Mayor Deegan, rising garbage fees, and JEA rates, while the budget restored some affordable housing funds and funds capital improvements amid Amendment 3 uncertainty.
How should Jacksonville balance its city budget amid spending growth concerns and potential revenue losses?
Tap a point along the line below to show where you stand.
How important is this to you?
✓ You told us where you stand
Sources
Jacksonville City Council — https://floridapolitics.com/archives/821228-jacksonville-general-fund-budget/
The City Council approved a roughly flat-to-slightly-increased ~$2.03 billion general fund budget for FY 2026-27... by an 18-1 vote, after trimming some proposed spending. It prioritizes public safety while holding the property tax millage rate steady
State Rep. Wyman Duggan — https://hoodline.com/2026/10/duggan-enters-jacksonville-mayor-s-race-criticizes-city-spending/
criticizing spending growth, fees/utilities, JTA “waste,” downtown focus, and calling for neighborhood investment, fee reductions
Positions on this issue · liberal → conservative
- Increase progressive revenue and spending on housing, transit, youth, and equity programs beyond public safety
- Maintain current levels with targeted restorations for housing and infrastructure while protecting core services
- Keep a lean neutral budget holding millage steady and avoiding reserves without major new cuts or hikes
- Trim non-safety spending, freeze fees where possible, and prioritize fiscal restraint over new programs
- Deeply cut overall spending, reduce fees/utilities, and limit government to core public safety and roads