Point Austin: Unbalancing the Budget

Council makes final spending decisions with one hand behind its back

"...on enacting (or phasing in) a 20% property tax homestead exemption. Along with the "throw the bums out" 10-1..."

Sept. 9, 2016 News Column by Michael King

The Mayor's Story

Three contenders try to write a personal tale that will convince the voters

"...most prominent has been his advocacy of a 20% homestead exemption on property taxes, to be phased in over..."

Oct. 10, 2014 News Feature by Michael King

Beside the Point: A Vegetative State

The City Council tries to move the budget beyond meat and potatoes

"...extra $8.4 million, floated the idea of a 5% homestead exemption; while acknowledging Futrell's admittedly lean assessment, he argued..."

Aug. 18, 2006 News Column by Wells Dunbar

Public Notice: Wealth, and How to Grow It

The rich are accumulating astounding wealth, while paying shockingly little in taxes

"...debate last week on whether to double the city's homestead exemption from 10% to 20% of appraised value. Best..."

June 11, 2021 News Column by Nick Barbaro

Point Austin: The Budget Wrangle Resumes

City Council attempts to spend more, cost less, and ... sustain services

"...its grudging vote to expand the 6% property tax homestead exemption (adopted last year) to 8%. Warned by city..."

Aug. 5, 2016 News Column by Michael King

Dems Almost Steal School Finance Thunder

Underdogs' ambitious education package carried the support of a dozen Republicans and every House Democrat

"...amendment to HB 2. Under Hochberg's proposal, the state's homestead exemption would increase to $45,000, teachers would see a..."

July 1, 2005 News Column by Amy Smith

Postmarks

Our readers talk back.

"...Homestead Exemptions..."

June 14, 2002 Column

Nobody Wants to Stop Voters From Approving Prop A

Pro-legalization and pro-freedom folks see eye to eye on the May 7 ballot

"...very equitable place, increasing the school district property tax homestead exemption is going to be very attractive, just as..."

April 29, 2022 News Feature by Austin Sanders

Council Recap: A Big Bucket of BidenBucks to Stitch Up the Safety Net

Homelessness response anchors $263.5 million spending plan

"...in light of Council’s move to double the city’s homestead exemption, got a significant boost from emergency grants made..."

June 11, 2021 News Post by Austin Sanders

Council: Put on Your Hard Hats

City Council, staff get to work

"...week's scheduled meeting that would further increase the city's homestead exemption, from 8% to 10%. Homestead exemptions knock off..."

June 8, 2018 News Feature by Nina Hernandez

City Budget: Something's Gotta Give

Cooling economy, rising costs mean tough choices for City Council

"...fees) on the "typical" residential homeowner (aka "median, non-senior homestead value of $269,264") has been $322.08. The early forecast..."

May 12, 2017 News Feature by Michael King

State and Local Elections

No new taxes!

"...Prop 1: Increased homestead exemption from $15,000 to $25,000 Statewide: 86% for, 14%..."

Nov. 6, 2015 News Feature by Richard Whittaker

Point Austin: Balancing Budget Numbers and Needs

Council wants a property tax cut, but service needs are real

"...treading rough water. They would like to enable a homestead property tax reduction – the latest proposal on the..."

May 15, 2015 News Column by Michael King

Herding Council Cats

City Council takes on 103 items ranging from bonds to staff review

"...to decide whether to increase the 6% property tax homestead exemption established last year, with a public hearing at..."

June 24, 2016 News Feature by Michael King

Council: Plenty of Work, and Campaigns

November elections are coming soon

"...resolution concerning a proposed updating of the property tax homestead exemption for senior and disabled residents, carried by District..."

June 3, 2016 News Feature by Michael King

Top 10 City Council Stories

"...A property tax "homestead exemption" was popular on the 10-1 campaign trail, but..."

Jan. 1, 2016 News Feature by Michael King

Diminishing Returns: Budget Cuts Under Future Consideration

"...but because of legislative timelines, Council has adopted a homestead exemption of 6%, which the budget staff anticipates will..."

June 12, 2015 News Feature by Michael King

Point Austin: Budgets Is Hard

Council begins digging into the budget details, and it ain't easy

"...still very early – Wednesday afternoon's discussion took up homestead exemptions, and staff is returning soon with a working..."

May 8, 2015 News Column by Michael King

District 8: Partisan Nonpartisans

"...and opponent Ellen Troxclair both support the proposed 20% homestead exemption on property taxes, but he insists the future..."

Dec. 5, 2014 News Feature by Nina Hernandez

10-1 Ticker ... Election updates!

It's campaign video season

"...Reform" no-tax pledge; it would immediately impose a 20% homestead property tax exemption (favoring the wealthiest homeowners) and freeze..."

Oct. 17, 2014 News Feature by the News Staff

On the Lege

No solution; another special session is coming

"...the House agreeing to a $7,500 increase to the homestead exemption, boosting the amount to $22,500, up from $15,000...."

July 22, 2005 News Column by Amy Smith

Council: Budget Curtain Rises

Council readies for financial overview

"...in the mix. Council has already approved a 6% homestead exemption on property taxes (the first step toward an..."

July 31, 2015 News Feature by Michael King

Council: Zoned Out

Arguing about zoning

"...funding to benefit lower-income Aus­tin­ites (prompted by last week's homestead exemption for homeowners; see budget feature, p.22) – we'll..."

June 12, 2015 News Feature by Michael King

Public Notice: Golf and Taxes at City Council

Proposals before Council suggest change is in the air

"...and you might groan at first: Decker Lake Golf? Homestead exemptions? Haven't we been here before?..."

May 22, 2015 News Column

10-1 Ticker... Run-Off Election Updates!

Everyone has an opinion about who you should vote for

"...candidate Jeb Boyt charged that opponent Leslie Pool claims homestead tax exemptions on two different Austin properties. "At a..."

Nov. 28, 2014 News Feature

Election Ticker: Masters of Disasters

T-minus 46 days until you vote

"...Conway's opponent Natasha Harper-Madison is facing a little heat..."

Sept. 21, 2018 News Feature by Nina Hernandez

Point Austin: In the Shadow of the Capitol

Council approves its latest budget with the Lege over its shoulder

"...the final expenditures – to bump up the senior/disabled homestead exemption, to address homelessness and mental health emergencies, and..."

Sept. 14, 2018 News Column by Michael King

City Council Clashes Over 2017 Budget

Competing ideas on how to spend $969 million

"...those increases in a couple of ways: adding a homestead exemption (bumped from 6% to 8% prior to the..."

Aug. 19, 2016 News Feature by Michael King

Crunching the Numbers

"...for a "median household" (home value $220,000), carrying a homestead exemption but not a senior or disabled exemption. More..."

June 10, 2016 News Feature

Are You Typical?

Council's first look at FY 2016 budget

"...– generally defined as the owner of a "median-priced homestead." This year that figure is set at $232,272 (based..."

Aug. 7, 2015 News Feature by Michael King

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