AUSTIN, Texas — Days after Austinites overwhelmingly rejected a property tax rate increase known as Proposition Q, city officials have released a revised budget proposal, which includes cuts to emergency and parks services.

The tax rate election was prompted after the city manager released a proposed $6.3 billion budget for fiscal year 2025-26, which would have implemented a $.05 per $100 increase on property tax if voters allowed it. Only about 36% of Austinites voted in favor of the measure. 

The cuts in the revised budget include:

Emergency Medical Services: $6.2 million
Austin Public Health: $1.3 million
Austin Fire Department: $1 million
Parks and Recreation: $5.2 million
Social services contracts: $38 million
Municipal court: $3 million
Homeless Strategy Office: $3.6 million

In a statement posted to the City of Austin Council message board on Thursday, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said:

“Voters told us that city government can’t be all things to all people. We can’t pick up all the expenses, grants, and needs that other levels of government don’t cover, even if they’re for things we think are important. Voters want us to avoid adding to Austin’s unaffordability. Well, as I’ve said this week–message received. This process and the steps it initiates will need additions and refinements as we go. But it’s responsive and disciplined action.”

The City of Austin released the following timeline for passing the proposed budget revisions:

Thursday, Nov. 13: Budget work session. Staff will present a briefing outlining the FY 2026 Amended Budget Recommendation, provide an updated five-year financial forecast and other supporting materials, and address City Council questions and feedback
Tuesday, Nov. 18: Budget work session as part of the already scheduled City Council work session
Thursday, Nov. 20: Meeting will be posted for potential adoption of the revised budget
Friday, Nov. 21: Posted for a special-called meeting in case it is needed for final passage of the revised budget
Monday, Nov. 24: Posted for a special-called meeting in case it is needed for final passage of the revised budget