Item 102 Passed 7-2
In plain language — from the agenda backup
The Council is taking up proposed changes to the City's financial policies for fiscal year 2026-2027, covering how Austin handles revenue, spending, and debt — including bonds. These ground rules shape how the city's money gets raised and spent, so tweaks here can ripple across budgets and services down the line. This is a discussion item with possible action, meaning the Council could move on the changes at this meeting.
The official agenda language
Discussion and possible action on proposed changes to the City’s Fiscal Year 2026-2027 financial policies regarding revenue, spending and debt, including bonds.
What got said
- Duchen amendment to use alternative funding failed with only two yes votes
- Council selected alternate policy B over policy A
- Debate over weakening debt policies to enable a bond election
The roll call
Approved 7-2
- Kirk Watson Mayor No
- Natasha Harper-Madison D1 Absent
- Vanessa Fuentes D2 Absent
- José Velásquez D3 Yes
- José "Chito" Vela D4 Yes
- Ryan Alter D5 Yes
- Krista Laine D6 Yes
- Mike Siegel D7 Yes
- Paige Ellis D8 Yes
- Zohaib "Zo" Qadri D9 Yes
- Marc Duchen D10 No