Austin Interim City Manager Jesus Garza’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 was formally presented on Wednesday, which he said will invest heavily in the areas of affordability, resiliency, quality of life, public safety, and homelessness.
“We are ensuring the City has the staff and resources necessary to keep facilities like parks, libraries and recreation centers safe, clean and inviting; investing in emergency services to be able to respond more quickly and effectively to calls for help; evaluating service delivery at the Austin Animal Center; and overhauling systems and processes to better serve Austin residents,” Garza said.
Under the budget proposal, the city’s minimum wage for public sector employees would rise by 4 percent, from $20 to $20.80 per hour. Civilian employees would also receive an across-the-board pay increase of 4 percent.
“Without skilled, professional, and dedicated staff members we could not deliver the services our customers expect and deserve, nor could we tackle the transformational projects that will prepare Austin for the future.” Garza said.
The overall tax rate would decrease by 3.85 cents, from 0.4627 to 0.4242. However, due to rising property values, the typical Austin homeowner would still see a 1.5 percent increase in their tax bill, which Garza said would equate to $25.91 a year.
The proposed budget also highlights major investments in the expansion of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, the redevelopment of the Austin Convention Center, and Project Connect, which will include new light rail and an expanded bus system.
Public meetings will take place over the next few weeks and the Austin City Council will review and initiate amendments before final adoption, which is scheduled to begin on August 16.
