The annual city lawmaking process starts with the unveiling of the mayor’s proposed budget. This year, the typical budget wrangling could be exacerbated by a statewide vote in November that could all but eliminate local property taxes.
Mayor’s Budget Address
Mayor Deegan took the stage and shook hands with City Council President Nick Howland before delivering her budget address. She said she wants to improve housing and healthcare affordability and focus on pensions for public safety officers while repairing infrastructure.
The General Fund covers daily operations like the salaries of public safety officers, public libraries, and city-funded health services. The Capital Improvement Plan is money that goes toward physical infrastructure improvements like bridge repairs and the phaseout of septic tanks.
A budget reflects the direction the city wants to move. The City Council Finance Committee will begin to discuss each department’s budget before a final spending plan emerges by its effective date of Oct. 1.
Original reporting: Jacksonville Today — read the source article.
