Tag Archives: Austin TRE

Chamber Of Commerce Opposes Prop Q

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By Bill Oakey – October 8, 2025

I am quite happy to share this news! Here is their statement, from this weblink.

Austin Chamber Board of Directors Opposes Proposition Q
City of Austin Tax Rate Election

On November 4th, voters in Austin will head to the polls to consider a tax rate election that would increase property tax rates in the City of Austin by over 16%. Austin has experienced strong economic growth in recent years, but with this success has come significant challenges, chief among them is affordability. Over the past ten years, the typical Austin homeowner’s tax bill has increased by over 65%. This trajectory is unsustainable and at a time of great economic uncertainty, it is imperative that our local governments exercise fiscal restraint. The City Manager’s original budget stayed within the maximum allowed increase without requiring a tax rate election. That budget also fully funded core services including public safety.

Last month, the Austin Chamber wrote to Mayor Watson and Council Members urging Council to minimize property tax increases on residents and businesses. We recognize the challenging circumstances surrounding this year’s budget but were disappointed with the Council’s near unanimous decision to increase property taxes by over 16%. This increase is on top of higher than normal increases in several other taxing jurisdictions including Travis County and Central Health. Austin must remain an attractive destination for economic development and job growth, and this dramatic increase in taxes will likely push people out of Austin and negatively impact our ability to attract new investments in our city. Businesses in Austin experience an outsized share of rising fiscal pressures, and the Austin Chamber remains concerned that further property tax increases will lead to more businesses moving out of our city.

It is for these reasons that the Austin Chamber Board of Directors opposes the City of Austin’s Tax Rate Election on this November’s ballot. If we fail to prioritize affordability today, we risk losing the very people and businesses that have made Austin a thriving community.

Sincerely,
Mark Ramseur
Board Chair
Austin Chamber of Commerce

Stop The “Forever Tax” – Vote No On Prop Q!

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By Bill Oakey – September 29, 2025

$100 Million Dollars – Three Times The Amount Of The Budget Shortfall, Every Year, Forever!

The City Tax Rate Election on November 4th is something to tell your friends, neighbors and colleagues about. The City claims to have a $33 million budget shortfall. But, if the voters approve Prop Q, the folks at City Hall will end up with a huge slush fund. This thing would generate over $100 million. The property tax rate accumulates each year, and becomes the new baseline for the following year. So, the $100 million tax windfall would repeat itself until the end of eternity!. It’s a Forever Tax. And, the City can pass annual regular tax increases on top of the Forever Tax. We simply can’t let this happen!


Why Is The City Asking For All That Money?

Please, please, please don’t be fooled by the ballot language on Prop Q. It is worded to make you fear that our parks will crumble into decay, and even fewer police officers will patrol our streets, without the Forever Tax. The language is very broad, generic and vague. You will not see any specific departmental programs or services that will be expanded if Prop Q passes. And City officials have not told us exactly which specific programs or services will be impacted if Prop Q fails.

A Huge Bombshell That No One Is Talking About!

We deserve to see a detailed accounting, showing the items within each department that would be funded, expanded or reduced, depending on the outcome of the election. Well, last Friday night, instead of watching “Superman” on HBO Max, I explored the FY 2026 Approved City Budget. On Page 917, I discovered a set of General Fund Financial Policies for Tax Rate Elections. Here is Policy #3:

“The City shall clearly identify the level of programming or services funded with the additional revenue generated above the voter approved rate, and provide an accounting of the expected level of services should the election fail.”

There is a City Council Resolution that formalized this policy. It began as a recommendation that passed unanimously by the Audit and Finance Committee. Then, on May 22 the City Council unanimously passed it as Resolution No. 20250522-058.

Where Is The Transparency That Was Promised Back In May?

That question will be put to the City Council while you are reading this. In the meantime, here’s a little history lesson about the City Budget. Several years ago, I got a surprise phone call from 1980’s era City Council Member, Max Nofziger. He shared what he had recently learned about the budget. From its earliest days until the year 2000, it went up on a gently inclining slope. From 2000 onward, it has shot up into the sky.

The City Should Manage Its Budget The Way Austin Families Do

If Prop Q fails, the City will still have the maximum tax increase allowed by State law. In this tough economy, many Austin families are struggling. People have to do without what they want, or postpone things until they can afford them. With Prop Q, homeowners and small businesses would suffer. Landlords would pass their costs on to renters. This is the wrong time for a walloping tax increase.

Ax The Tax! Vote No On Prop Q!

For additional info, check out AustinTaxRateElection

Musical Accompaniment For This Blog Piece

1. “One Minute Past Eternity” – Jerry Lee Lewis

2. “Forever” – The Little Dippers (Actually the Anita Kerr Singers)

3. “Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool” – Connie Francis

4. “Eternally” – Petula Clark

5. “Please Love Me Forever” – Bobby Vinton

6. “Taxman” – The Beatles