Proposition Q – Critical funding for Austin city issues
Proposition Q allows a tax rate increase beyond the new state limit without voter approval, which is 3.5% (it used to be 8%).
Per KUT News:
In August, the Austin City Council approved a $6.3 billion budget but called on voters to approve a higher tax rate. On the November ballot as Proposition Q, the rate of 57.4 cents per $100 of taxable value would generate nearly $110 million for the 2025-26 fiscal year. That money would be used to help reduce homelessness, improve parks and enhance public safety.
Austin was already facing a $33 million budget shortfall that city officials have attributed to sales tax and property tax revenues not bouncing back following the COVID-19 pandemic.
There has also been a cut to some federal funding that the city depended on to help pay for critical services like emergency shelter for people who are unhoused and rental assistance programs. The council has said the city would need to foot the bill itself to keep these programs going.
It’s a bummer to pay more taxes, but it’s a reality of living in a city and wanting good things for that city.
Recommendation: Yes