Austin Debates Budget, Police, Parks
City Budget & Financial Plans:
The council held public hearings on Austin's proposed financial plan, fees, and capital improvements. Citizens debated overall spending, supported a proposed tax increase, and discussed budget implications.City Employee Pay Raises:
A key discussion point was a push for a 5% pay raise for city employees, with labor union representatives actively advocating for the increase.Boosting Public Safety:
Residents voiced strong support for increased resources for the Police Department, specifically requesting more detectives and funding for the sex crimes unit.Parks, Recreation & Staffing:
The community called for park bonds to be put on the ballot and debated staffing levels at various recreation centers. There was also lively discussion around changes to the city's tennis program, with pros seeking better compensation.
Full Transcript
TY OF AU FOUNDED 1820 Austin City Council MINUTES For SPECIAL CALLED MEETING - SEPTEMBER 11., 1985 - 6:00 Ρ.Μ. City Council Frank C.Cooksey Mayor John Treviño, Jr. Mayor Pro Tem Council Members Mark Rose Smoot Carl-Mitchell Sally Shipman George Humphrey Charles E. Urdy Jorge Carrasco City Manager Elden Aldridge City Clerk Council Chambers, 307 West Secord Street, Austin, Texas Memorandum To: Mayor Cooksey called to order the special called meeting of the Council, noting the absence of Councilmembers Rose and Urdy. Mayor Cooksey announced the purpose of the meeting is to hold public hearings on the following: 6:00 6:15 6:30 - - - Proposed Financial Plan and Fees Proposed General Revenue Sharing Proposed Capital Improvements Program Bill Oakey said to hold down costs Lee Cooke supports the budget in general. Charlie Hem, AFSCME, discussed the proposed pay raise and said he supports the City Manager's proposed tax increase, George Bray discussed money allotted for parking area at Sr. Activity Center. O.B. Conley also discussed the Center. Glen Scott, AFSCME, asked for a 5% pay raise. Alfred Maldonado supports request for increase in sex crimes unit of Police. Department. Rosemary Kaufman said 14 more detectives are needed in the unit. Ken Seuer discussed the tennis program. Bo Byer opposes changes in tennis program. He said the pro's cannot make an adequate living. Linda Hudson also discussed the pro's and how they should receive more money. Blake Mitchell, Austin Community Gardens, talked about the social services. C Council Memo 2 Gary Michael supports City tennis centers. 9/10/85 Alfred Stanley, Sierra Club, talked about parkland. Della Green talked about wastewater. Jack Goodman wants parks bonds on ballot. John Shipwood, Hancock Rec Center wants two full time employees at the center. Glenna Balch, United South Austin, discussed the recreation center there. Al Dotson also said part-time employees are needed at the activity centers. ballot. James Pinedo, United South Austin, wants parks bonds on the ADJOURNMENT Council adjourned its meeting at 9:45 p.m.