Travis Commissioners wary of endorsing Hill Country Water Authority

Though holding back from an outright rejection, Travis County Commissioners remained skeptical Tuesday about endorsing a state bill that would create a regional water authority for the Hill Country.   The Commissioners Court voted 3-2 to oppose House Bill 890,…

Uncategorized • By Elizabeth Pagano • May 10, 2013

Library Department seeks to make up for funding losses during recession

There was high praise and few dollars for the city’s Library Department at City Council’s work session last week.   “You guys get more done with less available, and every year we seem to be making it more and more…

Uncategorized • By Elizabeth Pagano • May 9, 2013

Former city official recounts Ott’s anger over 2010 ethics survey

A former high level City of Austin employee tells In Fact Daily that at a management meeting in late 2010 where the results of a city ethics study were revealed, City Manager Marc Ott became very angry and “lost it.”…

Uncategorized • By Michael Kanin • May 9, 2013

Proposed changes put completion of Riverside Plan in jeopardy

The East Riverside Corridor Regulating Plan could be facing major, last-minute changes that could take the years-in-the-making project back to the drawing board. Council Member Chris Riley is working up a punch list of adjustments for Thursday’s Council meeting that…

Uncategorized • By Ramon Ramirez • May 8, 2013

Council may resurrect results of ‘2010 city ethics study

A cryptically worded agenda item on this morning’s special-called meeting of the Council’s Audit and Finance Committee promises to resurrect the ghost of a long-buried city ethics study commissioned in 2010.   In Fact Daily has obtained a copy of…

Uncategorized • By Michael Kanin • May 8, 2013

Austin Energy board would have little power under new plan

Consensus appears to be building around an Austin Energy governance proposal that would create a governing board for the utility that would be subject to wide City Council oversight, at least initially. Indeed, six Council members seemed to signal some…

Uncategorized • By Michael Kanin • May 8, 2013

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City staff working with feds to renew Barton Springs conservation plan

Austinites are familiar with the Barton Springs salamander. Now, a simple click and comment from advocates could pave the way for the city to save a whole other kind of local amphibian – the Austin Blind Salamander.   According to…

Uncategorized • By Charlotte Moore • May 7, 2013

Safety Commissioner Levy calls for consolidation of local fire, EMS

Austin Public Safety Commissioner Mike Levy is calling for an in-depth study of a consolidation of the area’s Fire and Emergency Medical Service departments. Levy’s statement came as part of what began as a budget discussion but quickly became another…

Uncategorized • By Michael Kanin • May 7, 2013

Commission hears group’s plan for new Mount Bonnell monument

Proponents of a plan to renovate Mount Bonnell Park finally got a chance to present their case at the Historic Landmark Commission last month, after years of stalled plans.   The West Point Society, who adopted the park as part…

Uncategorized • By Elizabeth Pagano • May 6, 2013

Fifty-eight lobbyists registered to bend ears, twist arms at City Hall

Although the City of Austin requires lobbyists to register and pay a $300 fee once a year, the city does not notify registered lobbyists when their registration has expired. That means a number of local lobbyists were surprised to learn…

Uncategorized • By Michael Kanin • May 6, 2013

Council members challenge APD’s request to fund 92 new positions

With the budget process gearing up, City Council took a look at city departments’ unmet needs Thursday, tackling the Austin Police Department’s request early in the day while enthusiasm still ran high.   In all, the APD sought $14.4 million…

Uncategorized • By Elizabeth Pagano • May 3, 2013

Austin Energy governance bill moving toward passage in Texas House

Members of the Texas House State Affairs Committee got a bit of insight into the fight around ongoing Austin Energy governance issues on Wednesday night.  And, although the bill was left pending by the committee, it is likely to be…

Uncategorized • By Elizabeth Pagano • May 3, 2013

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