Austin City Manager Proposes $6.3B Budget Prioritizing Homeless Services, Infrastructure

In Minden, the City Council reviewed the sixth draft of the fiscal budget, discussing proposals such as a $12,000 neon sign replacement and sharing police maintenance costs with STEP funding. The council declined a general salary increase but considered adding three firefighters due to increased structure fires and decreased volunteer response, while also debating the strain of mutual aid calls outside city limits. Meanwhile, Austin's City Manager T.C. Broadnax proposed a $6.3 billion budget for 2025-26 focused on supporting people, place, and partnerships amidst a $33.4 million deficit. The budget prioritizes homeless services with significant funding for emergency shelters and outreach positions, emergency response enhancements, and major infrastructure projects including wastewater treatment and a new Convention Center. Property tax rates are capped with the typical Austin homeowner facing an annual increase of about $155 in city taxes and $268 combined. Austin City Council will review and amend the budget before final adoption begins in mid-August, emphasizing community engagement in budget priorities amid funding challenges.