Tallahassee commission accepts Q2 budget update, approves five capital amendments; flags state property-tax proposals

The Tallahassee City Commission on Wednesday accepted the city’s second-quarter budget update and approved five capital-program amendments, while staff warned state-level proposals to limit or replace property taxes could put large parts of the city budget at risk.

“The positive news is we expect 13 of the 14 funds to be balanced by year end,” City Manager Robert Wigginton told commissioners as he reviewed the fiscal year 2025 status and the assumptions being used to prepare the fiscal year 2026 budget.

The update showed most enterprise and special-purpose funds are on track to balance for FY25. Commissioners approved five amendments, primarily in capital programs, to add a local match for an air carrier apron improvement at the airport, increase funding for electric new-service installations ($2.2 million), adjustments to electric transmission and distribution projects, and funds for facility repairs at the Heilman facility. The commission approved the staff recommendation by voice vote; the motion was made by the Mayor Pro Tem and seconded by Commissioner Richardson.

Why it matters: City staff said property taxes — set at a millage rate of 4.42 mills — remain central to the general fund and to public safety spending. “All of our property tax revenue is devoted to…