Jacksonville City Council President Kevin Carrico and eight of his Council colleagues held an Aug. 25 news conference to signal they would defend a proposed tax rate cut in the city’s 2025-26 budget.

If the entire group follows through, the cut would need one more vote to pass the 19-member council.

“We want the relief. We want to give the money back to the citizens,” Carrico said during the event on the steps of City Hall. “We shouldn’t be discussing any increases. We shouldn’t be discussing keeping it flat. We should be discussing giving those dollars back.”

Joining Carrico on Aug. 25 were Council Vice President Nick Howland and members Raul Arias, Joe Carlucci, Rory Diamond, Terrance Freeman, Mike Gay, Chris Miller and Ron Salem.

Carrico’s remarks came three days after the Council F

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