Commission ratifies FY26 budget directions; approves 5% raises and funding for affordable rental housing

The Leon County Board of County Commissioners ratified the board's June 17 directions for development of the tentative FY26 budget on July 8, approved funding steps to address rental housing for low-income residents and passed a 5% across-the-board pay increase for county employees.

Commissioners first ratified options related to the FY26 budget workshop actions and the board's tentative budget direction. Public testimony preceding the vote urged the board to move quickly on affordable housing allocations. Reverend Sylvia Jones, who identified herself as co-chair of an affordable housing strategy team, said the groups had "turned out our members once again" to thank commissioners for the proposed actions and for staff work on the initiative. Jordan Rios, a public-school teacher and single parent who described experiencing homelessness, said the housing allocations…