What We Reported 

On Dec. 13, Austin City Council rejected a proposed five-year contract with the Austin Police Department, citing concerns about affordability and accountability. The contract would have cost the city an additional $80 million over five years to provide a 9.5 percent raise to officers, who are already the highest paid in the state.

The Latest

When the previous contract expired Dec. 29, the Austin Police Department reverted to the state’s civil service law. Until a new contract is ratified, certain stipends, including for mental health training, and hiring procedures meant to increase diversity will be eliminated.

What's Next

A new contract is scheduled to be presented to council by March 22. It may address provisions for more officers, which is of particular concern to residents in recently annexed North Austin neighborhoods, many of whom feel underserved by a stretched-thin force, according to District 6 Council Member Jimmy Flannigan. This story is one update from The January Issue. Beginning on Jan. 29, view the full list of Top 10 stories to follow in 2018 here.