Austin voters will decide Proposition I, a proposed amendment to the Austin City Charter. If approved, it would require recurring, comprehensive efficiency audits of city departments by an independent third party. The measure would require an audit every five years, and also before any election seeking to raise the city's maintenance and operations tax rate.
The city already has an efficiency assessment underway. In February, the Austin City Council unanimously approved an ordinance for a recurring citywide assessment. The city later approved a $5.23 million contract with Public Works LLC, which is conducting the work. City Auditor Jason Hadavi said the assessment includes more than 25 consultants and covers 20 departments in its first year.
Bill Aleshire, the author of Prop I, said the charter amendment would require a calculation of affordability and that consultant findings and working papers would be public. Supporters say putting the requirement in the charter would make it more permanent than an ordinance. Savannah Lee of Equity Action said Prop I is unnecessary because the city already has an assessment in place, and that it could cost taxpayers more. Opponents also raised concerns about the possible effect on city services.