Tallahassee's budget gap is being filled by voluntary employee exits

Eligible city employees can now leave their positions with a severance package of 12 weeks of pay or $20,000, whichever is greater. The city will also cover 100% of health insurance premiums through the end of the calendar year. These options are available to nearly 2,800 full-time employees hired before 2026. The city commission approved the voluntary separation program to reduce personnel expenses. The exodus of these positions will assist in balancing the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, with the primary impact occurring in Fiscal Year 2027. This reduction in payroll costs allows the city to balance the budget without raising the millage rate.