City of Austin Council Message Board

Colleagues,

My office will pursue the following four amendments in the FY25 budget. This year, we focused on improving public safety and city services, both within District 4 and throughout Austin. I would like to invite any of you who are interested in co-sponsoring these amendments to reply to this post.

Vela 1: Gus Garcia Rec Center Portables - $671,913 (http://assets.austintexas.gov/austincou ... 123218.pdf)

This amendment proposes the construction and staffing of a portable building at the Gus Garcia Rec Center to provide space for the senior services offered at the center.

Vela 2: Vehicle Abatement Officers - $0 (http://assets.austintexas.gov/austincou ... 123429.pdf)

This amendment proposes the reallocation of two sworn officers to the APD Vehicle Abatement Unit in order to facilitate faster police response to abandoned and inoperable vehicles.

Vela 3: Sobering Center Budget - $214,000 (http://assets.austintexas.gov/austincou ... 123555.pdf)

This amendment restores the Sobering Center to its FY24 operating budget.

Vela 4: International Office - $375,947 (http://assets.austintexas.gov/austincou ... 123737.pdf)

This amendment proposes the development of an International Office as a standalone division within the Economic Development Department, as proposed in their unmet needs presentation (EDD-09).

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to partnering with your offices to address the needs of all Austinites.

Saludos,

Chito

Colleagues,

My office will add the following amendment to our list of budget amendments for this year.

Vela 5: Adjust Pool & Golf Fees - $0 (http://assets.austintexas.gov/austincou ... 105256.pdf)

This cost-neutral amendment proposes lowering the pool fees to the FY24 level and adjusting the golf fees for adults to make up the funds.

Saludos,

Chito

CM Vela -

From one former lifeguard to another, thank you for your work on these pool entry fees. I’d like to be added as a cosponsor to your amendment. Staff has just now indicated they will bring forward their own amendment to achieve this goal, but I want to make sure it stays on the list until it crosses the finish line.

Thank you,
Paige Ellis

I, too, am a former lifeguard and I want to thank our budget staff for addressing our concerns and finding a way to keep our pool entry fees steady.

Thanks,
Alison Alter