Jacksonville Council Approves Budget to Lower Taxes and Strengthen Financial Reserves

The City of Jacksonville held a press conference on August 25, 2025, led by Council President Carrico, focusing on the city's financial management and budgetary decisions. The primary agenda was to discuss recent efforts to lower taxes, reduce debt, and strengthen financial reserves, marking a significant achievement for the city.

Council President Carrico emphasized that this year marks the first time in recent history that the city has successfully accomplished all three objectives simultaneously. He highlighted the importance of managing fiscal responsibilities while still providing essential services to the city's most vulnerable residents. Carrico noted that over the past two years, Jacksonville has collected an additional $240 million in revenue, which includes property taxes and fees. He stressed that this revenue belongs to the taxpayers and should be returned to them in the form of tax relief.

The council president raised concerns about the burden of high taxes and fees on families, questioning when enough would be enough. He expressed pride in the council's efforts to produce a balanced budget and announced a modest millage rate cut of one-eighth, which he described as a commitment to regularly review tax rates and ensure government spending does not exceed citizens' ability to pay.

Councilman Terrence Freeman, a former council president, praised Carrico's leadership during the budget process, acknowledging the challenges faced in creating a budget that reflects the community's priorities. Freeman reiterated the need for property tax relief, citing the financial struggles of residents.

The press conference concluded with a call for continued vigilance in managing the city's finances and a commitment to prioritize taxpayer relief in future budget discussions. The council's collaborative efforts were highlighted as a key factor in achieving these financial goals, with a focus on maintaining transparency and accountability to the citizens of Jacksonville.