City Council Greenlights Property Tax Rate Hike

"Jacksonville's first property tax rate hike in nearly two decades is earning strong support from City Council. All but one lawmaker backed a tentative spending plan that calls for a nine percent millage rate increase."

"I thought we could still cut some more," Clay Yarborough said after casting the lone 'nay' vote on setting the millage rate at 9.27 mills, the highest rate allowed. "The Metro Park improvements and Northbank Riverwalk enhancements, that's almost 26 million dollars we don't need to be spending right now."

"Wednesday, City Council leaders and the Mayor's office announced a budget compromise, setting the millage rate at 9.27 mills, cutting more than $60 million dollars in spending and establishing a near $10 million budget stabalization fund to help cover unexpected costs."