AUSTIN, Texas — The Austin City Council has approved its $5.9 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
The budget is the largest in the city's history and addresses a wide range of topics including homelessness, housing resources and mental health resources for firefighters. It also includes pay raises for civilian employees and more money for the Austin Police Department.
“This budget includes historic investments in much-needed community services, including for families experiencing homelessness, those undergoing mental health crises, and our public safety professionals,” Councilmember Ryan Alter said Wednesday. “In this budget, we are making our communities safer, cleaner, healthier, and simply more livable.”
The vote was 10-1, with District 6 Councilmember Mackenzie Kelly – the only Republican on the city council – casting the only opposing vote.
Kelly cited the need for more significant budget cuts that would have helped the city eliminate tax increases.
"I cannot, in good conscience, vote yes on such a large budget, given the cost of living crisis that Austinites face and the many glaring inefficiencies presented," Kelly said following the budget's approval.