During a recent city council meeting, residents voiced strong concerns regarding proposed tax increases and the city budget, emphasizing the need for fiscal responsibility and prioritization of essential services.

Karen Fernandez, president of the Matthews Lane Neighborhood Association, urged the council to heed calls from Council Member Mackenzie Kelly to avoid raising property taxes, citing the unsustainable financial burden on long-neglected communities. Fernandez highlighted the importance of maintaining affordable housing and keeping residents in their homes.

Bruce Scribe, a longtime Austin resident, echoed these sentiments, advocating for a reduction in both the tax rate and the overall size of the city budget. He criticized the council for a significant tax increase in recent years and expressed frustration over the proposed additional 6% increase amid rising inflation. Scribe called for a reassessment of spending priorities, arguing that the council should focus on critical areas such as public safety and infrastructure rather than funding non-essential projects, such as artwork for fire stations.

Both speakers emphasized the need for the council to adopt a zero-based budgeting approach, ensuring that every expenditure is justified based on current community needs rather than historical funding patterns. The meeting underscored a growing demand among residents for greater accountability and transparency in how taxpayer dollars are allocated, particularly during challenging economic times.