Jacksonville Budget Cuts and Wins Revealed | Jacksonville News

Jacksonville’s city council has approved a $2 billion budget — a slight dip from last year’s spending, the first reduction since 2012. With looming state tax cuts threatening to slash city revenue by $300 million by 2028, the Finance Committee trimmed $23 million from the proposal. Public safety emerges as the clear winner, receiving over $1 billion — nearly half the budget — for Sheriff’s Office and Fire & Rescue, a record investment. Wolfson Children’s Hospital gets a $2 million boost for program expansion, and Hogpen Creek homeowners may finally get answers on water levels. But disappointment hits affordable housing advocates: Mayor Deegan’s housing trust fund, including down payment aid and developer incentives, was axed for the second straight year. Funding for intergovernmental associations also vanished. Cultural grants, telehealth, and rental assistance programs now hang in the balance, tied to the outcome of a November property tax referendum — their full funding depends on voters rejecting it. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/8d6d95c5db7c1697