Government
BY ELLE BENT & BEN THOMPSON
City appoints interim Austin police chief Robin Henderson began leading the Austin Police Department as interim police chief on Sept. 3, following approval from City Council on Aug. 31. Former Austin Police Chief Joseph Chacon retired Sept. 2, ending his 25-year career at the Austin Police Department and a more than two- year tenure as chief. Henderson has been with the APD for 26 years and most recently served as Chacon’s chief of sta overseeing department operations and managing its specialized units. Henderson will remain in the role until a permanent police chief is chosen by Austin’s city manager and con rmed by council. “I value the trust [Chacon] has put in me to move the organization forward in a positive direction,” Henderson said in a statement. “I am truly honored and humbled, and I appreciate the opportunity to serve as your interim chief.”
Austin o cials extend disaster declaration Austin’s local disaster declaration in the face of extreme wild re risk was extended in August for up to four more months as city o cials and rst responders continue to urge residents to prepare themselves for potential re incidents. The overview Mayor Kirk Watson declared a local state of disaster Aug. 15 given the persistent danger of wild res amid high heat and dry conditions. City Council members voted on Aug. 22, to extend that declaration, pointing to the ongoing risks in the region. The update allows the city to exercise certain emergency powers and secure additional resources if disaster strikes.
Robin Henderson was con rmed as Austin’s interim chief of police on Aug. 31, e ective Sept. 3.
COURTESY CITY OF AUSTIN
The context Chacon rst became the APD’s chief on an interim basis in spring 2021 following the retire- ment of former Chief Brian Manley. He was later selected to stay on a permanent basis, and City Council con rmed his appointment in September 2021. “Chief Chacon led the Austin Police Department with integrity and a deep commitment to the peo- ple of the department as well as our community,” Mayor Kirk Watson said in a statement.
Austin budget adds $172 to average annual tax bill
Tax increase The city of Austin’s scal year 2023-24 budget will cost the average homeowner more this year:
from FY 2022-23. Under the adopted budget, the property tax rate will be $0.4458 per $100 valuation for FY 2023-24, a 3.4% increase from FY 2022-23. Due to tax, rate and fee changes, a typical taxpayer will see an increase of 3.6%, or an additional $172 per year, on their total tax bill. The budget will go into e ect Oct. 1 and last until Sept. 30, 2024.
Austin passed a $5.5 billion budget for scal year 2023-24 on Aug. 16. The budget was adopted 10-1 with Council Member Mackenzie Kelly voting against it. The details The budget increases base wages for city employees and increases the Austin Police Department budget by $32.4 million, up about 7%
Austin median home value: $499,524
Overall tax rate increase:
Year-over- year increase:
3.6% $172
SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN COMMUNITY IMPACT
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