JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — At a town hall meeting held Wednesday night at Riverside High School, Mayor Donna Deegan unveiled her proposed $2 billion budget plan, inviting community members to express their opinions on the city’s priorities.

The proposal allocates more than half of the budget to police, fire, and rescue services. Deegan underlined the critical need to sustain the current millage rate, cautioning that any reduction could jeopardize public safety.

“Lowering the millage rate is not something we should be doing right now,” Deegan said to applause from the crowd.

The millage rate determines the property tax rate, calculated annually based on the amount homeowners pay per $1,000 of their property’s value. These funds are crucial for supporting essential services such as schools, parks, public safety, and infrastructure, and can fluctuate depending on the local taxing districts.

“Even a small change, as currently proposed by the council can add up to a big cut back on what we can deliver for our community,” she added.

During the meeting, Jacksonville’s Chief Financial Officer pointed out that all city employees have received a 23% raise since 2020. Additionally, funding for police and fire departments has increased, reaching over $270 million.

“At the end of the day I was looking for the beef and I didn’t find any,” Deegan said in response.

Residents also took the opportunity to express concerns over persistent flooding issues, prolonged waiting periods for housing vouchers, and the growing eviction rates. Notably, Duval County currently has the highest eviction rate in the state.

The proposed budget includes new investments in affordable housing and hunger programs to address these issues.

Vicki Gatewood, a longtime Riverside resident, expressed concern that budget cuts by the city council are affecting safety and increasing homelessness.

“I’m a widow living on the corner scared,” she said.

She also expressed support for Deegan’s efforts to protect the city.

“I feel that she’s gonna do what needs to be done to protect us, I hope that the city council doesn’t destroy Jacksonville,” Gatewood said.

If residents missed Wednesday’s meeting, two more town halls are scheduled. One Thursday at 6 p.m. at Fort Caroline Middle School and Monday at Northside Church of Christ. The city council is scheduled to cast its final vote on the budget on September 23.