TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) -- A group of local property owners says it has a plan to return millions of dollars to Tallahassee taxpayers.
They've offered to work with city manager Rick Fernandez to make it happen.
After commissioners voted to increase the city's portion of the millage rate, the group called "Citizens for Responsible Spending" formed, looking for ways to cut costs and give taxpayers a break.
"Our primary concern was to get back to core functions of city government," said Penny Herman, a former mayor and city commissioner, "to look at things that were only necessary - and to look where he could be more efficient and to make those cuts, before he places more undue burden on taxpayers."
The group hopes to return $5 million to taxpayers - the amount coming out of the pockets due to the property tax hike, Herman said.
"The last thing that you should be doing is making tax increases before you look really hard and deep at keeping things where they are and living within your budget," she said.
City officials say public engagement is critical and encouraged -- with the budget still in its early stages.
"We want all citizens to be involved in the budget," said city financial management officer Robert Wigen, "and so as we walk through the stages of the budget, we're going to make sure we include citizens."
The group met with Fernandez last week to start the conversation. Herman said the group - with more than 50 members from different industries and political parties - will lay out specific ways to cut costs at a later date.
