June 29, 2026, 5:10 a.m. ET Incoming Jacksonville City Council President Nick Howland wants to trim the city budget in anticipation of a state property tax referendum. Howland and Mayor Donna Deegan are split on the proposed tax cut, with Deegan warning it will harm essential city services. Howland will introduce legislation requiring companies receiving city incentives to hire veterans, military members, or their spouses for 10% of new jobs.