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Jacksonville council delays FY2027 budget vote amid state tax-base uncertainty
Summary
City staff warned pending state action on a tax-base bill could affect FY2027 revenue assumptions; the council voted to defer the FY2027 budget to a June 29 special meeting and postponed nonprofit grant funding pending budget finalization.
The Jacksonville City Council voted to delay action on the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget after staff warned that a pending state bill could change the tax base used to calculate next year’s revenues. City Manager Mr. Ray recommended waiting until after the governor’s 10-day review period for Senate Bill 889; council members agreed and moved the formal budget vote to a June 29 special meeting.
Why it matters: The council noted that adopting a budget before the state’s action could require late corrections or create legal and fiscal complications. Council members emphasized the need for adequate time to review department briefings and to allow newer members the opportunity to hear from department heads before final decisions on cuts, service levels and tax rates.
City Manager’s briefing: Mr. Ray told the council that Senate Bill 889 — which had passed both chambers and awaited the governor’s decision — could obligate municipalities to use the prior year’s schedule of values when preparing the next fiscal year’s budget. He recommended the council take no action now and consider the budget at special meetings scheduled June 29 and June 30 so staff could produce any additional materials if needed.
Council action: After discussion, Councilmember Willingham moved and another member seconded a motion that the council accept staff’s recommendation to take no budget action at the meeting and bring the proposal back at the June 29 special meeting. The motion was approved; the clerk later reported a 6–0 voice vote in favor.
Nonprofit grants: Staff presented recommended nonprofit grant awards for FY26/FY27 (recommended funding $112,000 of a $127,000 allocation with separate capital requests). Council moved to postpone action on the nonprofit grant recommendations until budget adoption is finalized; that postponement was approved so grant awards will be reconsidered after the FY2027 budget is resolved.
What happens next: Staff will prepare additional briefings and responses to council questions and make department heads available for the June 29 special meeting. The city clerk and manager were directed to circulate questions and materials ahead of that meeting so council members can review and decide on final budget and grant allocations.
