City Finance Committee compares notes with CapMetro on rail costs

With an upcoming rail bond election almost certainly on the horizon, the city continues to take a closer look at what a new urban rail system might mean. A special called meeting gave the Austin City Council’s Audit and Finance…

Local Politics • By Elizabeth Pagano • Jul 2, 2014

Austin City Council financial reports for June 26, 2014

As we have with Travis County, the Monitor will offer more detail with our weekly city fiscal reports.)   The Austin City Council approved the following estimated expenditures June 26, 2014, for an estimated amount of more than $100,000,000.   $15,000,000 for a…

Local Politics • By Austin Monitor • Jul 2, 2014

Despite ruling, city expects no immediate change to drainage fee

A judge’s ruling rendering a portion of the city’s Drainage Fee invalid could put millions of dollars worth of critical flood control and watershed protection programs at risk. State District Judge Amy Clark Meachum ruled Friday that the flat $9.20…

Development • By Mark Richardson • Jul 1, 2014

ZAP postpones case for salvage business in hopes of a better plan

After nearly a decade worth of talks with the city about its fate, an environmentally complicated piece of Northwest Austin land had its turn at the Zoning and Platting Commission last month but came away with a postponement.   The…

Development • By Elizabeth Pagano • Jul 1, 2014

Travis appraiser says high-end residences could be undervalued

Concerns over the local property tax process continued to surface Saturday afternoon at an informational forum. There, Travis Chief Appraiser Marya Crigler said that, in addition to wide concern that commercial property is undervalued, there is also a potential for…

Local Government • By Beth Cortez-Neavel • Jul 1, 2014

Travis County fiscal picture for Tuesday, June 24

Each week the Monitor reports on Travis County spending habits. From here on out we’re changing it up a bit. Moving forward, we’ll be giving you the weekly expenditures, gained revenue and grant monies received. We hope this gives you…

Local Government • By Beth Cortez-Neavel • Jun 30, 2014

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Fight over park name means Council will have to vote once again

Despite hours of meetings and two visits to City Council, the park at 3000 Del Curto Road remains officially nameless because of a disagreement among those interested in the question.   Three names were originally under consideration for the park:…

Local Politics • By Elizabeth Pagano • Jun 30, 2014

Council bounces first project from developer under new ordinance

The city’s first, somewhat rushed test of its new Vested Rights Ordinance is complete and City Council has rejected a developer’s request for a Southwest Austin project. The test came at last week’s meeting, which did not end until after…

Development • By Elizabeth Pagano • Jun 30, 2014

Council takes no action on move to remove Leffingwell from BCCP

Activists opposed to State Highway 45 Southwest lost a battle at Thursday’s City Council meeting when a motion died to replace Mayor Lee Leffingwell as chair of the Balcones Canyonlands Conservation Plan’s Coordinating Committee.   Council Member Kathie Tovo moved…

Environment • By Jenny Blair • Jun 27, 2014

Under fire, Council approves $1 billion Strategic Mobility Plan

Austin City Council members unanimously approved what city staff is calling the Strategic Mobility Plan Thursday. The plan, which contains roughly $1 billion in various transportation projects, includes $600 million for a potential urban rail line.   The approval of…

Transportation • By Michael Kanin • Jun 27, 2014

Heated discussion ensues at West Lake Hills over ethics complaints

Accusations flew during Wednesday’s meeting of the West Lake Hills City Council, where ethics complaints against a former city employee and former council member continue to fester.   The city is in the midst of an investigation into a formal…

Local Government • By Elizabeth Pagano • Jun 27, 2014

Council approves funds for buyout of 140 more homes in Onion Creek

Though some relief is on the way for Halloween Flood survivors, the fact that nearly 15 percent of the funds could be spent on consultants raised some eyebrows at City Council Thursday.   Council members approved all four items related…

Development • By Elizabeth Pagano • Jun 27, 2014

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