Editor's note: This story has been updated to correct the fiscal year 2022-23 property tax rate approved by City Council.
On Aug. 18, Austin City Council approved a $5 billion budget for fiscal year 2022-23 in a 10-1 vote.
The budget included dozens of amendments from city council members, most notably a $20 living wage for city employees and 40% increase in city council members.Council Member Mackenzie Kelly was the only “no” vote on the overall budget.
City staff wages
The budget included a 4% raise across the board for all staff, and council members voted to up the staff minimum wage from $15 to $20 an hour.
“Colleagues, I just want to express my gratitude and how excited I am that pending this vote we will be able to deliver a $20 living wage,” said Council Member Vanessa Fuentes.
Council allocated roughly $7 million for the move, which also includes addressing compression in salary ranges with the understanding that staff could introduce a mid-year budget item if additional funding is needed.
Council pay hike
The second high publicity item that passed was an item from Mayor Steve Adler that would increase council salaries 40% from $83,158 to $116,688 and the mayor’s up more than 37% from $97,656 to $134,191.
The initial cost of the proposal was more than $270,000. However, council was informed during the discussion that the item would cost $395,693. Three council members objected to the item: Kelly, Fuentes and Paige Ellis.
Base budget
While council members tacked on dozens of amendments that funded priorities including a program for Austin Travis County EMS to carry whole blood, full time life guard positions and reproductive health services, 62% of the general fund went to public safety.
City Manager Spenser Cronk has previously stated the budget was crafted with a focus on recruiting and retaining staff. Beyond the raises, the budget also allocates funds for new full time staff members, including an immunologist at Austin Public Health to continue addressing monkeypox and COVID-19, as well as a new position in the Office of Homeland Security to handle climate change and natural disaster management.
Tax rate
The council passed a tax rate of $0.4627 per $100 of property valuation on the same 10-1 ratio as the budget. The rate is lower than the current $0.541 per $100 of property valuation.
Due to increased property values, the rate will bring the city roughly a 3.5% increase in revenue. Between the new tax rate and increased fees, the average city taxpayer will see a 3.8% increase in bills paid to the city, according to budget documents.
A list of amendments, including their cost, funding source and any changes made during the discussion can be found here. The full base budget proposal can be found here. A summary can be found here. A finalized, council-approved budget document will be published in the fall.
