AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Austin City Council members gave their approval Wednesday to the city's budget for next year, laying out how the city will spend $5.5 billion.
Council adopted the budget and its associated property tax rate on a 10-1 vote Wednesday, with council member Mackenzie Kelly being the sole vote against.
This year's budget focused on getting "back to basics", according to interim city manager Jesús Garza. “The budget Council adopted today reinforces the city’s commitment to community by delivering high quality services and amenities with excellence and reliability,” said Garza. “We look forward to implementing Council’s priorities by dedicating new funds and positions to secure the financial health of our city while continuing to move the needle, encouraging innovation and progress.”
The General Fund portion of the budget represents $1.4 billion in spending, while capital projects total $1.6 billion. The remaining $2.5 billion represents the city's enterprise departments, including Austin Energy, Austin Water, the Convention Center, and the Aviation department.
Among the investments highlighted by the city in the adopted budget:
*$87.2 million in planned capital spending for the Housing Department’s housing development assistance programs, aimed at creating or preserving deeply affordable housing.
*$80.9 million in homelessness response efforts.
*$6.1 million in one-time funding to contribute to the cost of equipping City facilities with generators to ensure power in the event of a weather emergency.
*$4 million, including new positions, to improve internal processes related to permitting and plan reviews, as well as expedite proposed changes in the land development code.
*$2.7 million to enhance security and cleanliness at parks, library branches, public health clinics, and the animal shelter.
*$10.5 million in planned capital spending for aquatic infrastructure projects, including the new Colony Park pool and Givens Pool renovations.
*$1 million in Austin Energy’s budget to conduct a study regarding conversion of the overhead distribution system to underground.
*$2.6 million for police cadet recruitment incentives.
*$5.5 million in planned capital spending for Domestic Violence Shelter.
*$15.9 million in planned capital spending for renovations to the Faulk Library and branch library facilities.
According to a release from the city, the typical ratepayer - defined as the owner of a median valued home at approximately $499,524 - will see a combined increase of 3.6% year-over-year in taxes, rates, and fees.
A final version of the adopted budget document is expected to be available later this fall.
