Tallahassee to host hearings on 2024 fiscal budget, consider property tax increase

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Tallahassee City Commission will host the first of two hearings on the city’s $868.4 million budget for fiscal year 2024 on Wednesday.

The proposal includes an increase in the property tax millage rate to 4.45.

The city tentatively approved a 4.5 millage rate during their June 14 budget workshop. The property appraiser then limited the taxable property value at 7.76% in July.

Tallahassee informed citizens that the increase would add up to $3.50 to the monthly tax for property owners.

They argued that the change is needed to combat inflationary costs that have made it more difficult for the city to purchase resources such as asphalt and run equipment like garbage trucks.

The budget also increases minimum wage pay for city employees to $16 per hour.

Additionally, to combat violent crime, the budget invests $9.5 million more into the city’s police department and $7.8 million in neighborhood watch programs, gun safety mitigation courses and community support groups.

The proposal also plans to fund a second senior center, a new transit center and numerous sidewalks and road projects.

Finally, the budget seeks update the city’s Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan by providing resources to the parks and recreation department, as well as several housing projects.