The Austin City Council has approved the largest budget in its history.
The budget included higher rates for electricity, trash, and water. It also included the highest property tax increase permitted without special voter approval.
While expected, the approved expenditures represent a nearly 10 percent increase from last year’s previous record of $5.5 billion. It’s an increase of $1.5 billion from just three years ago. As a matter of perspective, the city had a (still bloated) budget of $3.5 billion a decade ago.
The budget passed by a 10 to 1 margin. Conservative councilmember Mackenzie Kelly, who had previously proposed an alternative budget that did not raise taxes, was the lone “no” vote.
Kelly took to social media to denounce the council’s action.
Councilwoman Mackenzie Kelly Votes No on the Fiscal Year 2024-25 City of Austin Budget pic.twitter.com/ZlLgC8RY8Y
— Council Member Mackenzie Kelly (@MK6ATX) August 14, 2024
The council’s action was widely denounced with James Quintero of the Texas Public Policy Foundation questioning the council’s priorities.
Tax hikes & fee increases are nothing to celebrate when people can't afford to live. https://t.co/GF1HPvwKAT
— James Quintero (@JamesQuinteroTX) August 15, 2024
Meanwhile, the Travis County Republican Party uncovered an astonishing fact.
FUN FACT: 5 States have budgets smaller than the city of Austin's. https://t.co/OqlydvuktL
— Travis County GOP (@TravisGOP) August 15, 2024
The Austin City Council is hardly alone in shaking the taxpayer money tree. Travis County Commissioners voted to place an additional tax increase, allegedly for “child care,” on the November ballot. Austin ISD, meanwhile, is expected to finalize its tax increase this week.
The Texas legislature is expected to re-examine local government spending when it reconvenes in 2025.
