Jacksonville advisory board outlines possible budget cuts if Amendment 3 passes – News4JAX

Jacksonville advisory board outlines possible budget cuts if Amendment 3 passes  News4JAX

Jacksonville voters will decide Nov. 3 whether to approve Amendment 3, a proposal that would expand property tax exemptions for homesteaded properties and reduce the amount of money local governments collect. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville voters will decide Nov. 3 whether to approve Amendment 3, a proposal that would expand property tax exemptions for homesteaded properties and reduce the amount of money local governments collect. RELATED: Growing concerns over Amendment 3 as more groups speak out against the property tax proposal If approved, the amendment could reduce Jacksonville’s annual revenue by about $300 million by fiscal year 2029, according to estimates cited by city auditors. The Jacksonville TRUE Commission — Taxation, Revenue and Utilization of Expenditures — is examining the city’s finances and considering strategies to balance the budget if the amendment passes.

The independent advisory board is not recommending across-the-board cuts. Instead, TRUE Commission Chairman Ramon Day said the board is recommending that the city protect core public safety services, including police and fire, while considering reductions in other areas. “One recommendation would be a 3% limit on salary increases for all city employees not subject to a collective bargaining agreement,” Day said. Day said departments such as Parks and Recreation, Public Works, Planning and Development, and various neighborhood departments could be subject to potential reductions. “Such as Parks