Cents and Sensibility
Dear Editor,
Contending that capital projects like I-35 cap and stitch, Project Connect rail, and the convention center do not impact General Fund spending for public services is incorrect [“Debates Over Convention Center Continue Following Austin United PAC Lawsuit,” News, Jan. 2].
The projects are financed by municipal debt. Debt service is a major part of the city budget and is non-discretionary, unlike General Fund spending. State law caps overall spending funded by property tax, including both debt service and General Fund services. The greater the city’s debt payments, the less is available under the mandatory cap for General Fund spending for public safety, parks, libraries, social services, EMS, etc.
The cost of debt financing for cap and stitch will begin impacting the debt service budget this year and will increase every year as the project proceeds, constraining the ability to spend on General Fund services.
The Project Connect rail accounts for 20% of our city property taxes. Absent that burden, we could easily boost the property tax portion devoted to General Fund services without reaching the state-mandated limit.
If the Convention Center were not absorbing the hotel occupancy tax, its debt service would not burden the budget, and that money could be used for projects and services that benefit tourism but also the general public, thus absorbing some expenses now borne by the General Fund and enabling other unfunded work.
Schemes like tax increment districts, as suggested for cap and stitch, divert property taxes that would otherwise flow into the General Fund and be available for city services.
If debt service rises, General Fund spending on services must fall. Project Connect rail, cap and stitch, and the convention center all impact General Fund spending and the ability of the city to provide services that benefit us all.
Larry Akers
Undercoverage
Dear Editor,
The minimal coverage by the Chronicle concerning the recent passing of both Toni Price and Joe Ely is in stark contrast to how the loss of others that have influenced the Austin music scene have been historically covered. Both deserved more extensive coverage than half-page articles. A cover story about cover bands instead was frankly shameful, and just further illustrated how the Chronicle has become disconnected from its readership. Qué lástima.
Tyler Miloy
This article appears in January 9 • 2026.