Sunset Valley proposes FY 2012–13 budget

Water rates would increase 4.3 percent, and commercial wastewater rates would rise 5.2 percent; those amounts are being increased by the City of Austin.

Additionally, this fiscal year, the city moved some expenses that previously were budgeted for public works expenses to the drainage utility fund, decreasing general fund expenses by about $60,000, according to city staff.

The city's subsidy of the utility fund may grow in 2012-13. The city plans to transfer $426,727 from the general fund to the utility fund in 2012-13, up from $367,359 in 2011-12.

Mayor Rose Cardona made two changes to the budget proposal, including a $4,000 cut to the $29,000 budget of the American Indian Heritage Pow Wow organized by Great Promise for American Indians.

In response, Lois Duncan, executive director of Great Promise, said the event should be advertised and supported because it draws between 40,000 and 50,000 attendees to Sunset Valley.

"I felt very strongly and confident about that one $4,000 budget cut that I recommended," Cardona said. "It is a one-day event, and we have the farmers market which is here every single Saturday. And in my opinion, when you're talking about bringing money into the city, shoppers, people who stay in the hotel, I'd rather give more money to the farmers market or our own local grassroots initiatives."

Cardona also recommended splitting the $45,000 annual energy conservation rebates budget into separate line items to show what funding is allocated to solar, weatherization and appliances.

"I don't have any strong agenda this year in terms of cutting things or pushing things through," Cardona said. "I took all the recommendations of the budget finance committee, and in all honesty I wish they would have given me recommendations that were a little more extreme."

A public hearing is scheduled to be held Sept. 4 to discuss the budget as required by government code, Collins said. The council will also hold an additional council work session if needed Sept. 11, and on Sept. 18 it will move for adoption of the budget, tax rates and utility rates at its regular council meeting.

For more information, visit www.sunsetvalley.org.