Tallahassee Mayor-elect Jeremy Matlow will have to address a possible $10 million deficit in the city's budget next year due to the approval of Amendment 3.
Florida voters approved the ballot proposal that will offer some financial relief to homeowners while drastically changing the way local governments are funded.
But Matlow says it isn't the end of the world for the city.
"It's not a doomsday scenario like some would predict. We're in a little bit better shape in the city, than in the county or rural counties and that's because we have a lot of commercial properties and student housing," Matlow said.
Matlow has been outspoken about "wasteful spending" at city hall as a commissioner. Starting in January, he plans to workshop with other commissioners on where spending can be cut without compromising essential services.
"I think we can make the necessary cuts and people in Tallahassee aren't going to see a noticeable difference in the delivery of service," Matlow said.
He plans to investigate administrative salaries, nonessential departments and travel and food budgets.
He says his expertise as a small business owner doesn't make this seem like hard work to him.
Starting in 2027, he plans to work on addressing the budgets and next summer, local governments will have a better look at their projected budgets.
He says it will be a lot of work for the entire commission to play a role in it.
"We're going to have a pretty work intensive schedule for the commissioners where each department can come in individually and present their budgets and their workforce size and look for reductions across the board," Matlow said.
