News Summary
The Children’s Services Council of Leon County has approved a budget of $10.5 million for fiscal year 2025-26, ensuring the continuation of essential community programs. This budget includes $2.1 million to sustain an after-school program serving 1,700 children, which is at risk due to federal funding cuts. Concerns about a projected $12 million budget shortfall for the school district and its implications were also discussed. Public hearings on the millage rate are set for September, as the community is urged to advocate for better funding solutions.
Leon County – The Children’s Services Council of Leon County has approved a budget of $10.5 million for the fiscal year 2025-26, with significant funding allocated for crucial community programs. The approval of the budget includes a continuation of the current millage rate set at .03477, which will support various social services, including an after-school program affected by federal budget cuts.
Leon County School Superintendent Rocky Hanna had requested $2.1 million to sustain the after-school program that is at risk due to the potential loss of federal grant funding. This program serves approximately 1,700 children in the local community, providing essential care and educational support during after-school hours.
A presentation delivered by Kacy Dennis, CEO and President of the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Big Bend, emphasized the importance of securing funding for the after-school initiative. Council members expressed their apprehensions regarding the ramifications of federal budget cuts on local non-profit organizations and the communities they support.
As is highlighted in Superintendent Hanna’s report, the Leon County School District is facing a projected $12 million budget shortfall for FY2025-26, compounded by rising costs and contractual obligations totaling $6.1 million against a meager budget increase of only $237,777. Concerns were raised about the possible closure of schools should the financial pressures persist.
The Children’s Services Council voted 9-1 to adopt the current millage rate. The lone dissenting vote came from Chair Darly Jones, who expressed reservations regarding the fiscal responsibility of the council. As a part of the ongoing process, public hearings on the adopted millage rate are scheduled for September 11 and September 25, 2025.
Should federal grant funds be reinstated in the future, the council has indicated it will refund the CSC for the allocated budget for the after-school program. This approval is particularly crucial, given that it alleviates part of the $6 million shortfall influenced by stalled federal funding.
Amid the heightened urgency regarding the financial sustainability of educational and community programs, the local community has been urged to reach out to legislators to seek better funding solutions for public schools in Florida. This collective call has arisen from the ongoing and increasing financial challenges faced by local educational institutions and the non-profits that support them.
The Children’s Services Council is known for funding 136 local non-profits, raising vital discussions around financial oversight and accountability concerning the distribution of funds. As the community navigates these economic difficulties, dialogue surrounding the potential for tax increases and the financial stewardship of the Children’s Services Council continues to develop.
The recent budget approval represents not only a necessary step towards securing vital after-school resources but also highlights the urgent need for comprehensive support to address broader financial issues confronting the Leon County School District and community services.
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Additional Resources
- Tallahassee Reports: CSC Approves Budget
- Tallahassee.com: Superintendent Rocky Hanna on Financial Crisis
- WTXL: Property Tax Bills May Rise
- Tallahassee Reports: City Budget Workshop Details
- Wikipedia: Education in Florida
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
