In front of Wednesday’s standing-room only crowd at the Austin Environmental Democrats forum, micro houses– so-called “granny flats” – proved a defining issue between Council members and District 9 candidates Kathie Tovo and Chris Riley. However, neither of them was able to secure the 60 percent majority needed to win the group’s endorsement. Both Riley […]
Local Politics
Posted inLocal Government, Local Politics
Structural review calls Travis County dysfunctional, recommends changes
The Travis County governmental structure is dysfunctional and needs to reorganize under one main administrator, according to a report by an independent consultant group hired to assess the county’s internal administrative system. However, some county officials, while not surprised by the report’s findings, are concerned about recommendations to consolidate and change departmental functions. PSPC Consultants […]
Posted inDevelopment, Local Politics
Council resolution would move city closer to allowing very small units
The City of Austin may soon designate a clear path within its Land Development Code for residents to legally construct and dwell in very small houses pending approval of a resolution to be voted on at today’s regular Austin City Council meeting. According to the draft discussed at Tuesday’s Council work session, the resolution would direct City […]
Posted inDevelopment, Local Politics
Homestead exemption could leave $36 million budget hole to fill
A homestead tax exemption as a percentage of appraised value on homeowners could potentially blow a $36 million hole in the next city budget, though it would also put close to $200 back in most taxpayers’ pockets, according to a briefing Tuesday at the Austin City Council’s weekly work session. The city Financial Department’s analysis […]
Posted inLocal Politics, Resources
Austin Energy pitches Council to restore its cash reserves
Austin Energy officials pressed Austin City Council members Tuesday to allow the utility to reconfigure its cash holdings to allow it to fill a series of neglected reserve funds. The move, according to utility representatives, would better position the utility for lower interest rates when it sells bonds — and could save the city millions […]
Posted inLocal Politics, Resources
Austin Energy looks to get under affordability cap
Austin Energy General Manager Larry Weis told the Austin Monitor Tuesday that he and utility staff are working on a proposal that would keep the utility’s FY2015 budget revenue request under a 2 percent affordability cap on potential rate increases. Weis added that the proposal would address concerns first raised by Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell […]
Posted inElections, Local Politics
Adler files for mayor, cites proposal for homestead tax exemption
Attorney Steve Adler announced a proposal for a sweeping change in the city’s property tax system Monday as he filed the documents necessary to get a place on the ballot for the mayoral election in November. Standing before a small crowd of supporters outside the city clerk’s office, Adler said, “This is a great city […]
Posted inLocal Politics, Public Safety, Resources
Energy, water utility rates top Council concerns over 2015 budget
The Austin City Council took on next year’s budget in earnest Thursday. Of the $3.5 billion budget, members’ biggest concerns continued to rest with the city’s water and energy utilities. A proposal from Austin Energy to increase the fuel charge customers pay had Council particularly on edge. That increase will add $4.67 to the average […]
Posted inLocal Politics
FY 2015 budget features small jumps in property taxes, fees
City budget writers are proposing a 2.2-cent decrease in property taxes for Fiscal Year 2014-15 but because the valuation on many properties has gone up, most property owners will still be paying higher taxes, according to Chief Financial Officer Elaine Hart. Staff is proposing a rate of 48.09 cents per $100 valuation, higher than the […]
Posted inLocal Politics
Former commissioner seeks to change city policies in ethics cases
Former Zero Waste Advisory Commissioner Daniela Ochoa Gonzalez, who resigned after accusations of conflict-of-interest violations, is asking the city to reconsider how it does business. Her situation could change how the city deals with ethics complaints against people who serve on its many boards and commissions. The Ethics Review Commission took a first step toward […]
Posted inLocal Government, Local Politics
Travis County investigating appraisal inequities
Travis County is assembling work groups to investigate alleged inequities in the state property tax appraisal system. Intergovernmental Relations Coordinator Deece Eckstein has plans to fulfill the mandate from the court to create the working groups. They include getting an impartial analysis of the accuracy of commercial and industrial property appraisals in Travis County and […]
Posted inPremium Types
TipSheet: Council members return from vacation to discuss budget
City Council Convenes, 9:30 a.m. Town Lake Center, 721 Barton Springs Road Budget 1. Discussion and possible action regarding council meeting schedule and the budget and tax rate calendar. 2. Presentation and discussion regarding the City’s Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2014-2015. 3. Presentation and discussion regarding the impact of providing a general homestead exemption […]