Austin's Future: Budget, Bonds, Public Input
New City Budget Preview:
The council received an initial overview of the proposed 1998-99 operating and capital budget, detailing financial plans for various city services including aviation, water, solid waste, and the convention center.Major Bond Election Proposed:
Discussions centered on a potential special election on September 26 to authorize over $335 million in revenue and general obligation bonds for city projects, though a final vote on the ordinance was postponed.Extensive Public Hearings on Budget Scheduled:
Multiple public hearings were set for August and September, inviting residents to provide input on the 1998-99 budget, with sessions dedicated to topics like transportation, smart growth, public safety, and human services.
Full Transcript
Austin City Council MINUTES WORKSESSION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 1998 Mayor Watson called the meeting to order noting the temporary absence of Mayor Pro Tern Garcia and Councilmember Spelman. BRIEFINGS 1. Presentation of Proposed 1998-99 Budget Overview of total operating and CIP budget given by City Manager Jesus Garza. a. Aviation Presentation given by Charles Gates and Chuck Griffith. b. Austin Convention Center Presentation given by Bob Hodge and Larry Anderson. c. Solid Waste Presentation given by Willie Rhodes and Catherine Gambrell. d. Water/Wastewater Presentation given by Randy Goss and Wynell Barnett. e. Watershed Protection Presentation given by Mike Heitz, Jody Hamilton and Vicky Shubert. Recessed at 11:11 on Councilmember Griffith's motion, Councilmember Lewis' second, 4-0 vote, Mayor Watson, and Mayor Pro Tern Garcia absent. Council reconvened at 2:12 p.m., noting the presence of all Councilmembers. CITIZEN'S COMMUNICATION: GENERAL READING OF CONSENT AGENDA READING OF DISCUSSION AGENDA CITIZEN'S COMMUNICATION: CONSENT AGENDA ACTION ON CONSENT AGENDA PREVIEW OF ITEMS FOR NEXT COUNCIL MEETING 2. Review of Proposed Agenda Items from the City Manager for August 13, 1998. 3. Review of Proposed Agenda Items from Council for August 13, 1998. 4. Discuss and identify consent and discussion agenda items for the August 6, 1998 Council meeting agenda. (Agenda for August 6, 1998 is attached and incorporated by reference.) Consent items are as follows: 13,14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 39, 40, 41, 42, 44, 45, 47, 48, 50, 51, 52, 53 and 56. 5. Set Time Certain, if necessary, for agenda items on the August 6, 1998 Agenda. ITEMS CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS 6. Approve an ordinance authorizing amendments to the City's Financial Policies. (No fiscal impact.) [Recommended by Audit & Finance Committee] No action taken 7. Approve an Ordinance ordering an election on September 26, 1998 to authorize the issuance of Revenue Bonds and General Obligation Bonds. Approve CBAC recommendation on Mayor Pro Tern Garcia's motion, Mayor Watson's second, Substitute motion by Councilmembers Slusher and Spelman of $335,243,000, Main motion and substitute motion tabled until August 6, 1998 on Councilmember Lewis' motion, Councilmember Spelman's second, 7-0 vote. 8. Approve a resolution authorizing the scheduling of future projects to be funded from cash flow. No action taken 9. Set a public hearing on the Proposed 1998-99 Operating and Capital Budgets. (Suggested date and time: August 20, 1998 at 7:00 p.m.) Resolution No. 980805-9 approved on Councilmember Slusher's motion, Councilmember Spelman's second, 7-0 vote. BRIEFINGS 10. City/County Health and Human Services Department issues. Postponed ITEMS FROM COUNCIL 11. Set public hearings on the Proposed 1998-99 Budget: (Councilmember William Spelman and Mayor Kirk Watson) Suggested dates and times: • August 13, 1998 at 6:00 p.m. - Transportation and Infrastructure • August 20, 1998 at 7:00 p.m. - Smart Growth, Neighborhood and Housing • August 27, 1998 at 6:30 p.m. - Public Safety, Workforce, Health and Human Services • September 3, 1998 at 6:30 p.m. - Employee Compensation, Parks and Library, Convention and Visitors Bureau Resolution No. 980805-11 approved on Councilmember Spelman's motion, Mayor Pro Tern Garcia's second, 7-0 vote. Recessed at 11:11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Recessed at 5:10 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. EXECUTIVE SESSION (No Public Discussion on These Items) The City Council will announce it will go into Executive Session, if necessary, pursuant to Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code, to receive advice from Legal Counsel, to discuss matters of land acquisition, litigation and personnel matter specifically listed on this agenda. The City Council may also announce it will go into Executive Session, if necessary, to receive advice from Legal Counsel regarding any other item on this agenda. ADJOURNED at 6:25 p.m. on Councilmember Slusher's motion, Councilmember Spelman's second, 7-0 vote. Approved on this the 13th day of August, 1998 on Councilmember Spelman's motion, Councilmember Goodman's second, 6-0 vote, Mayor Pro Tern Garcia absent.