AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- The Austin City Council on Thursday gave final approval to the city's 2020-21 budget, including reallocating more than $150 million from the budget of the Austin Police Department.
The $4.2 billion budget, approved by a unanimous vote Thursday, comes after weeks of meetings and hearings, and hours upon hours of citizen comments - many of whom have called for cuts in the wake of protests against police brutality.
"I think this is without a doubt the most significant change in Austin public safety priorities in generations," said council member Greg Casar.
The more than $150 million in cuts represents about a third of APD's $434 million total budget.
$21 million would immediately be reinvested into a number of other programs and services. That funding will come from cutting three upcoming cadet classes, reducing overtime pay, and cutting vacant, unfilled officer positions. The money will be redirected into several programs, including coronavirus response, violence prevention, victim services, housing programs, and mental health services.
Police Chief Brian Manley, speaking before council members last week, said cutting the cadet classes will put APD back at 2012 staffing levels. "I do believe this really represents one of the greatest threats to the safety of our community," Manley said.
Another $80 million represents programs and services that the city will move into other departments. These include the forensics lab, communications, victim services, community partnerships, and others.
The remaining funds, approximately $50 million, will be put into a "Reimagine Public Safety Fund" as additional functions and services are transitioned out of or "reimagined" within the department.
Voters will need to approve a proposed tax rate of 53.35 cents in November. According to the city, a median value home ($326,368) will see a property tax increase of $332.39 per year, or $27.70 a month.