You could have knocked me over with a feather.

I’m reaching into my inexhaustible supply of cliches because I don’t know what else to say after taking a cursory look at the mayor’s proposed budget.

Mayor Donna Deegan, Democrat, is asking the City Council to approve less spending on general government functions next year.

The $5 billion budget for last year would be reduced by $327 million for next year.

Eye on Jacksonville will drill down into the budget details to see exactly what is being cut, but at first glance it appears the enterprise funds – those government functions that are supposed to pay for themselves – will collect and spend less money.

Specifically, city venues such as the parking garages, ballpark, arena and others are expected to get less money.

The crucial part is the stadium, which is being rebuilt and will generate no money while it is out of operation.

Deegan told Eye she is focusing on public safety and infrastructure. “It’s a conservative budget,” she said.

To evaluate which is the highest priority, she said she used a return on investment calculation.

The $2 billion general fund will increase by about 1 percent, a modest amount. It is financed largely by property tax revenue, which will increase 6 percent.

Deegan is being cautious. She knows it would be foolish to start programs that depend on property tax revenue when a proposition is on the ballot to provide tax relief by increasing the homestead exemption. If it is approved by voters, taxpayers will keep more of their money and the government will spend less.

Council members of course may take issue with various pieces of the budget as they mull it over and could decide to spend more or less. They have until Oct. 1 to fashion and adopt a final version.

Hint to council members: Two places to look for easy savings are the $25 million septic tank replacement fund and $8 million for the Emerald Trail boondoggle.