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Jacksonville council approves smaller millage cuts after marathon budget debate
Summary
After nearly 10 hours of remarks and public testimony, the Jacksonville City Council approved modest reductions to the city and Beaches millage rates while voting on dozens of budget items and amendments. The meeting exposed a sharp split between members pushing for tax relief and those warning cuts would hit essential services and public safety.
Jacksonville City Council approved modest reductions to the cityand Beaches millage rates after nearly 10 hours of debate and public comment Tuesday night. The final, council-approved rates were 11.1919 mills for the consolidated citygeneral services levy (previously advertised at 11.3169) and 7.9012 mills for the Beaches levy; both changes passed by narrow margins after extended debate.
Council members said the meeting reflected two competing priorities: some members sought small, recurring property tax relief, while others said even modest cuts would force reductions to programs residents rely on. Vice President Scott Howland, a leader of the finance committee, argued the changes were conservative and still funded many programs in the mayor'9s budget. "What we're actually debating here is whether to let 400,000 households in Jacksonville keep money they've earned," Howland said during debate, adding the committee retained funding for many safety-net…
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