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Tallahassee Proposes $1.2 Billion Balanced Budget

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Community members discussing Tallahassee budget proposals

News Summary

Tallahassee has proposed a balanced budget of $1.2 billion for the upcoming fiscal year, aiming to enhance public safety services. Key changes include an increase in fire service fees, projected to generate $29 million over three years, funding for new firefighters and police officers, and efforts to improve the city’s ISO rating to lower homeowners’ insurance costs. The county budget has also seen a significant rise, emphasizing public safety and affordable housing initiatives. Community discussions regarding the budget will take place in September.

Tallahassee is proposing a balanced budget of $1.2 billion for fiscal year 2026, maintaining consistency with the current year’s budget. Among the key proposals is an increase in fire service fees, projected to generate approximately $29 million over the next three years.

Residential customers will see an average increase of $4.86 per month in their fire service fees. This fee adjustment marks the second increase in two years aimed at enhancing public services in response to the community’s growing needs. The proposal is designed to maintain and improve the quality of fire services as the population of Tallahassee continues to expand.

The proposed budget allocates about $82.6 million for the hiring of 20 new officers for the Tallahassee Police Department while also focusing on increasing wages to attract and retain public safety staff. The budget includes investment in surveillance equipment to further bolster safety measures throughout the city.

Additionally, the city is committed to improving its Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating, which directly impacts homeowners’ insurance premiums, by increasing funding to the fire department. The budget proposal also includes plans to add 26 new firefighters to enhance operational capacities and further ensure public safety.

To accommodate these enhancements, the city is addressing the rising construction costs for new fire stations, which are essential to support the growing fire service demands. City officials stress the urgency of the funding, pointing out that the city’s growth necessitates increased investment in public safety initiatives.

On the county level, the preliminary budget for Leon County stands at $403,967,176, reflecting a 6.9% increase from fiscal year 2025. This increase is driven by significant funding boosts for public safety as well. The county plans to sustain its operating and capital budgets through one-time ARPA dollars, as these funds are set to expire.

There will be no increases in stormwater or solid waste special assessments according to the preliminary budget. Additionally, the county government will not introduce any new positions that require additional general revenue funding. The proposed budget also aims to address homelessness initiatives and affordable housing through increased funding for the addition of Leon County Sheriff’s Office deputies and investment in low-income rental units.

Tallahassee city officials, alongside county representatives, will hold reviews of their respective budgets leading up to the finalization of the budgets this fall. Discussions for the city’s budget are scheduled for September 3 and 17, giving community members a chance to engage in the budgetary process before it is formally adopted.

The city remains committed to adapting public safety services to meet the evolving needs of its residents, ensuring that both infrastructure and personnel are adequately supported as the population continues to grow.

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Additional Resources

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