DOWNTOWN TALLAHASSEE, FL \u2014 The City of Tallahassee’s $1.2 billion budget for the next fiscal year advanced Wednesday at a city budget workshop, with two public hearings and a final commission vote set for September to confirm the spending plan.<\/p>\n
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City of Tallahassee budget set at $1.2 billion for next fiscal year, heads toward final approval<\/p>\n
The budget includes a 4% salary increase across the board for city employees, a provision that drew pushback from Commissioner Jack Porter.<\/p>\n
“I could support it for employees facing less than 100, less than $125,000 I think that’s a reasonable conversation, above that, when we are facing the threats that we are facing, I think it’s just not prudent and something I can’t justify,” Porter said.<\/p>\n
The salary increase debate comes as the city grapples with potential property tax cuts. If voters pass an amendment in November, the city projects the amendment costing $11.2 million in fiscal year 2028 and $17.8 million in fiscal year 2029.<\/p>\n
Commissioner Curtis Richardson said he wants more information circulated to the community about what programs would be impacted.<\/p>\n
“We’ve got to make sure we properly educate voters on what this could mean for us as a city,” Richardson said.<\/p>\n
The city’s Voluntary Separation Incentive Program has helped offset some financial pressure, with projected savings of $8.46 million in fiscal year 2027. A total of 171 employees have opted to leave under the program. The City says 9 positions are currently being rehired, though that number could be higher.<\/p>\n
Robert Wigan, the director of resource management for the City of Tallahassee, said the city intends to be selective about which positions are brought back.<\/p>\n
“We want to keep the same standards in place, we don’t want to affect service, if there’s a one-off person who’s critical then we want to be able to represent and put that person back in place, maybe at a lower rate or maybe with additional responsibilities so there’d be savings there,” Wigan said.<\/p>\n
The commission also set the millage rate at 4.4072 mills. Two public hearings are scheduled for September 9 and September 23, followed by a final commission vote to approve the budget.<\/p>\n
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