Amid ongoing crises in public safety and repeated utility failure, Austinites now face the prospect of an unprecedented $5.5 billion municipal budget.
As unveiled on Monday, the proposed expenditures represent a 10 percent increase from last year’s previous record of $5 billion. It’s an increase of $1 billion from just two years ago.
As a matter of perspective, the city had a (still bloated) budget of $3.5 billion 10 years ago.
Former mayoral candidate Jennifer Virden explained the situation further on Twitter, noting that the council has piled up nearly $7 billion in debt, more than many other large cities in Texas.
#ATXCouncil has amassed almost $7B in debt, heavy in revenue bonds $5.6B below top grade rating. More per capita debt than other large cities in Texas. No longer a well run city. #TXLege pic.twitter.com/XAf85E7iXe
— Jennifer Virden (@Jennifer4Austin) July 19, 2023
Meanwhile, Michael Searle, who served as chief of staff to former Councilmember Ellen Troxclair (a current state representative), highlighted some of the most egregious items.
On the police budget:
Austin's proposed police budget includes:
Adding 47.5 civilian FTEs
Adding 0 sworn FTEs#AustinPolice #atxcouncil pic.twitter.com/QpdzyoulJq— Michael Searle (@MSearleATX) July 19, 2023
[Note: “FTEs” stands for “full-time employees.” Police officers who patrol the streets are considered “sworn.” This means that the department is proposing to hire 47 civilians and zero officers.]
On homelessness:
This is a doozy. See how the city of Austin describes its Public Space Management. #homelessness #atxcouncil https://t.co/NVga0N3SGA pic.twitter.com/exaiOmQnUF
— Michael Searle (@MSearleATX) July 20, 2023
On the convention center:
Big transfer to the Convention Center Capital Fund – $149m transferred out from this similarly-named reserve (slush) fund.
Probably means they intend to make some moves on the expansion this year. #atxcouncil #budget #conventioncenter pic.twitter.com/nJz5k4C73X
— Michael Searle (@MSearleATX) July 19, 2023
On “fund transfers” from the utilities:
Because AE transfers get so much attention, they have been relying more on the water utility for GF revenue. Over 10 years, the Austin Energy transfer to the General Fund has increased by 9.5%, while Austin Water transfer has increased by 29.2%.
— Michael Searle (@MSearleATX) July 19, 2023
During the recently concluded legislative session, legislation was introduced to abolish the Austin City Council. While the legislation died in 2023, it is expected to return in 2025. The legislation could return sooner if Gov. Greg Abbott adds it to the call during an anticipated special session of the Legislature in October.
The council will conduct budget review hearings over the next few weeks. City budgets are typically given final approval in early September. Concerned Austinites can contact their city council member.
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