AUSTIN, Texas — Austin voters will face another decision on taxes this November as the city places a $295 million bond for parks and recreation improvements on the ballot, just days after the Austin City Council approved a $6.6 billion budget that includes a tax increase.

On Wednesday, the council passed the new budget, which puts more money toward public safety and other critical city services but comes with a 3.5% tax hike. City leaders say the new budget will cost the typical Austin tax-and-ratepayer about $285 more per year.

Councilmember Marc Duchen, who represents District 10, criticized the budget vote, saying, “It was about trust and it was not affordability. And I think this council damaged both.”

In November, Austinites will vote on the proposed $295 million bond. Most of that money — $260 million — would go toward maintenance and improvements at city parks, recreation centers and other public buildings. City officials say Austin parks have not seen a major bond investment in eight years.

If approved, the bond would cost the typical taxpayer an extra $50 per year for the next 20 years. Duchen said he worries voters will view the budget and bond together, saying, “I’m afraid they’re gonna see it as a one-two punch.”

Residents interviewed were split on whether higher taxes are worth the investment.

Christopher Stevens said he supports spending on parks. “Anything to invest in our city parks, I’m all for,” Stevens said. He added, “The green spaces in Austin are one of the things that makes Austin great. So we should really be trying to keep that as much as we can.”

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Matt Mackowiak said he believes the bond may not pass.

“I believe the bond’s going to fail or has a good chance of failing,” Mackowiak said. He also pointed to affordability concerns, saying, “I really do think affordability is the number one issue in our city and city council makes it worse, literally on a weekly basis. And so enough’s enough.”

City leaders say that, with the budget and the bond tax increases, the average taxpayer’s rates would be around $400 per year if the bond is approved.

Austin’s new budget takes effect Oct. 1. Voters will decide the proposed bond package in the November election.