Government
Austin proposes record budget, tax election likely
Austin leaders weigh new fee to fund parks Austinites may soon be charged a new utility fee to support parks maintenance. The setup Underinvestment in Austin’s hundreds of community parks has been a topic of con- cern among residents and elected officials for years. The parks department currently operates on a $180 million budget. Many officials are hoping to firm up added parks funding during the fiscal year 2025-26 budget process. Council member Paige Ellis proposed an added fee imposed on city utility users to support parks, which she said should be “strongly considered” given financial constraints the city’s facing. A new fee, if implemented, would add to resident costs as officials prepare to ask voters for a tax hike this fall.
City Manager T.C. Broadnax proposed a $6.3B fiscal year 2025-26 budget in July, including a $1.48 billion general fund for public-facing services. The big picture Broadnax’s budget is supported by a 10% tax rate increase. The city estimated the “typical” res- ident—with a median-valued home and standard service usage—can expect a combined 4.9% cost increase from taxes, utility charges and fees. However, city officials have signaled they’ll likely ask voters to raise taxes further this fall given projected future shortfalls, and the loss or expiration of various federal dollars. “Austin still needs investment to be successful. We still need high-quality services to have a high quality of life,” Mayor Kirk Watson said in a newsletter. City Council is now reviewing the spending plan and will approve a final budget with amendments aimed at their priorities mid-August.
Austin’s proposed general fund covers most city services used by residents. Public safety (police, forensics, fire, EMS) 65.6%
14.5% Parks, libraries
Public health, homelessness, social services 9.7%
Transfers/other 3.4% 2.5% Municipal court
1.8% Housing and planning
1.7% Animal services
0.8% Arts, culture, music, entertainment
SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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