Overview

• Council members have put forward multiple TRE proposals ranging from the statutory 3.5-cent increase—which would add $138.54 annually for homeowners—to higher rates costing up to $270 per taxpayer.
• Mayor Watson said he is “disappointed” by higher-cost proposals and will support only a plan that dedicates funding to core city services within his acceptable cost limits.
• Vocal Texas and allied service providers held a press conference on August 7 urging the council to lock in funding for housing, homelessness services and public health before federal aid expires.
• State law requires any property tax rate increase above 3.5% to face voter approval, a cap that shapes the scope of potential TRE options.
• Austin City Council is scheduled to debate and vote on the budget and whether to hold a Tax Rate Election next week.