Stories by Josh Rosenblatt
Council fails to adopt budget on first day of reading
For the first time in memory, the Austin City Council on Monday failed to pass an annual budget on first reading. Instead, after nearly five hours of discussion, debate and amendment recommendations to the proposed FY2013 budget, Council voted unanimously…
Uncategorized • By Josh Rosenblatt • Sep 11, 2012
Morrison likely won’t support MUD agreement
At least one City Council member says she will most likely vote against an interim consent agreement with the developer of the Rio de Vida Municipal Utility District (MUD) when it comes before Council on Thursday. If Council doesn’t approve…
Uncategorized • By Josh Rosenblatt • Aug 29, 2012
Council members want more efficient weatherization program
The City Council’s Health and Human Services Committee signed off last week on a proposal that would allocate a portion of the funds from a new Austin Energy weatherization program to the Austin Housing Repair Coalition in an effort to…
Uncategorized • By Josh Rosenblatt • Aug 27, 2012
Council postpones vote on Rio de Vida MUD agreement
The Austin City Council voted Thursday to postpone approving a temporary agreement with the developer of a future municipal utility district (MUD) on the banks of the Colorado River to get more information from staff. If Council members vote against…
Uncategorized • By Josh Rosenblatt • Aug 24, 2012
Council to vote on new funding to combat homelessness
The Austin City Council’s Public Health and Human Services Committee recommended unanimously this week to grant $100,000 to the affordable-housing nonprofit Foundation Communities to provide permanent supportive housing in the city. The full Council will consider the measure at its…
Uncategorized • By Josh Rosenblatt • Aug 23, 2012
Council looks to avoid open-meeting violations at citizens’ forum
Austinites interested in voicing their opinions to their elected officials, but who find it difficult to make the Austin City Council’s regularly scheduled citizens communications at noon on Thursdays, could have a chance on a Saturday this fall. At their…
Uncategorized • By Josh Rosenblatt • Aug 22, 2012
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Council sends $385 million bond package to the voters
After a long week of debate and negotiation, the Austin City Council on Friday passed a $385 million bond package that would provide funding for more than 60 projects throughout the city, from library renovations and museum restorations to open-space…
Uncategorized • By Josh Rosenblatt • Aug 20, 2012
Split, reluctant Council approves bond package on first reading
After two hours of debate, Austin City Council members on Wednesday reluctantly passed on first reading a bond package that will go before voters this November. The nearly $385 million proposal – which would not require a tax increase –…
Uncategorized • By Josh Rosenblatt • Aug 16, 2012
Council remains split on bond proposals
Austin City Council hit a roadblock Tuesday in its quest to put together a bond package to present to voters this November. With less than a week before the ballot has to be finalized, and with Council Member Bill Spelman…
Uncategorized • By Josh Rosenblatt • Aug 15, 2012
Exclusive: Martinez to propose bond package with no tax increase
With a disagreement lingering among Council members about whether to ask voters to approve a bond package on the Nov. 6 ballot that would require a tax increase, Council Member Mike Martinez plans to unveil this morning a bond proposal…
Uncategorized • By Josh Rosenblatt • Aug 14, 2012
City hires two deputy officers for animal shelter
The City of Austin has hired two deputy chief animal services officers to help handle day-to-day operations at the Austin Animal Center. Chief Animal Services Officer Abigail Smith has been without deputies since May, when Ian Hallett left the city…
Uncategorized • By Josh Rosenblatt • Aug 13, 2012
Council debates raising taxes to secure more bond money
As City Council prepares to vote on a bond-package proposal to put before Austin voters this November, battle lines are being drawn around two main issues: 1) whether to push for a recommended proposal put forth by staff or by…
