A requirement in our federal operating permit for Barton Springs requires Austin to participate in regional actions that may affect the quality and quantity of water in the Edwards Aquifer. Fish and Wildlife Service that allows the operation of Barton Springs, which is both home to two native endangered Texan salamander species. The issue for the City of Austin is that it holds multiple permits from the U.S. HB 1683 as originally filed would have removed the ability for any City to initiate or participate in lawsuits involving an oil or gas company or pipeline company without losing state grant funding. With the help of residents, business owners, and other community advocates, the City of Austin opposed this legislation and ultimately, prevented the bill from passing.Įntertainment Services Director Brian Block testified against HB 3813 to House Culture, Recreation, and Tourism Committee HB 3813 was filed to set the specific parameters of our local sound ordinance in a way that would have deteriorated the quality of life for our residents downtown and throughout the City. The City's current sound ordinance provides flexibility for establishments in certain areas of the City while maintaining a proper quality of life for our residents. There was an effort during the regular session to preempt the City of Austin, and only the City of Austin's, local sound ordinance. This bill also allows the City to invest in technology that will result in increased security for our employees and residents. With the passage of this City of Austin initiated legislation, the City will be able to realize long-term cost savings for the taxpayer by being able to finance cloud computing services. Prior to the passage of SB 58, local governments could finance computer hardware, but not cloud computing services. Support for Investments in Cloud Computing The City amended its position to be supportive of the bill in its final form. *Note: CFO Van Eenoo testified against the bill before APRS agreed to enter negotiations with the City of Austin. The final bill that passed was a win-win for the participants of the retirement system and the City of Austin.Īustin Chief Financial Officer, Ed Van Eenoo, testified on HB 4368* ![]() HB 4368, the mutually agreed upon bill between the City of Austin and APRS, passed the legislature unanimously. These necessary changes required legislative action. Prior to the 87th Legislature, the Austin Police Retirement System was in need of fundamental changes to the member and City contribution rates in order to improve the financial health and sustainability of the system, to protect the benefits of our current, retired, and future officers, and to put reasonable protections in place for taxpayers. Support for Austin Police Retirement System Below you will find a recap of the testimony and largest issues that your community advocates tackled this session. The City of Austin is proud of the work accomplished during the 87th Texas Legislature. The City of Austin opposes legislation that strips Austin residents of their right to self-governance, increases taxpayer costs for City services that residents rely on, undermines the principle of home rule, negatively affects the City’s financial ability to act in the best interest of its residents, or imposes on Austin taxpayers the burden of paying for State mandates or collecting revenues for the State. The City of Austin supports legislation that enhances City services, reduces the cost of providing services, prioritizes a prosperous business climate and improves the quality of life for its residents. ![]() ![]() The City of Austin’s Legislative Agenda for the 88th Texas Legislative Session reflects the City’s priorities for efficient and cost-effective government services that foster Austin’s prosperity, sustainability and safety.
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