TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – Tallahassee City Commissioners voted 3-2 on Wednesday to offer “voluntary separation” to its entire workforce, though only a fraction of employees are expected to take the deal.
Commissioners are hearing their second quarter fiscal update on Wednesday. The presentation included plans for fiscal year 2027.
The city is planning 4 percent raises for general employees next fiscal year, no increase in the tax rate, hiring 20 new police officers and updated rate increases for water, sewer and cemetery fees.
City official, Robert Wigen, said 12 of 14 operating funds are in the green, but the bank accounts for Star Metro and the Fire Fund are in the yellow, meaning they need monitoring.
Wigen said the city will now be required by the legislature to identify 10% cost savings before adopting the yearly budget.
The city is going to offer 2,700 employees “voluntary separation” beginning in May. Eligible employees, which are those hired before Jan. 1, 2026, who agree would be paid $20,000 or 12 weeks of pay. Those employees would keep health insurance through the end of the calendar year.
The city expects between 100-175 employees may separate. In 2009, about 3 percent of employees took the deal.
Mayor John Dailey exclusively told our Capital City Correspondent Matt Hoffmann that mandatory cuts are not being contemplated.
In fact, Dailey said voluntary cuts were a better way to deal with the difficulties facing the capital city.
More Tallahassee news:
Wigen, said service levels won’t drop. Commissioner Jeremy Matlow asked how many positions the city is looking to eliminate.
“We don’t have a preconceived notion, we want to lave that decision open,” Wigen said.
Commissioner Dianne Williams-Cox said this “voluntary separation” is more about early retirement and that employees may not be replaced at the same rate.
Wigen explained that voluntary separation would require an application process, but those who apply won’t be denied.
Commissioner Jack Porter and Matlow shared concerns about casting such a wide net for the incentive.
Also at Wednesday’s budget meeting, staff asked the commission to add $300,000 for Customs and Border Patrol, among other checks.
That $300,000 could go towards the International Processing Facility at the Tallahassee International Airport. That $28 million project has been delayed.
To keep up with the latest news as it develops, follow WCTV on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Nextdoor and X (Twitter).
Have a news tip or see an error? Write to us here. Please include the article’s headline in your message.
Be the first to see all the biggest headlines by downloading the WCTV News app. Click here to get started.
Copyright 2026 WCTV. All rights reserved.