Austin approves $5.9bn budget.

Austin residents are set to face increased financial pressures as the city council approved a $5.9 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year. This includes higher property taxes, electricity, and water fees, with the average homeowner expected to pay an additional $358.18 annually. The budget also includes a raise for city employees, with the minimum wage increasing to $21.63 an hour and a 4% across-the-board wage increase.

The budget approval, which passed with a 10-1 vote, includes $30.3 million for homeless services, addressing gaps in funding for shelters and permanent supportive housing. $18.2 million was added to the police budget, now totaling $496.3 million, while advocate groups had called for those funds to address homelessness.

"I cannot, in good conscience, vote yes on such a large budget, given the cost-of-living crisis that Austinites face and the many glaring inefficiencies presented," - District 6 Council Member Mackenzie Kelly.

The approved budget outlines funding for city departments, utilities, and services like police, fire, and homeless programs, with fiscal years running from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30. The city's ability to generate revenue through property taxes is hindered by a state-imposed cap, leading to a reliance on thinning federal COVID-19 relief funds.

"We're talking about increasing our investments in homelessness prevention. We're talking about funding families experiencing homelessness...and also investing in our Fire Department and our EMS department." - District 2 Council Member Vanessa Fuentes.

Taxpayer Impact Statement | Amendments