Recapping Last Thursday's Symbolic Vote to Defund the Police

As the discussion and debate around police reform continues, particularly defunding Austin PD, we recapped below Austin Council action last Thursday, June 4th.

Several key votes will be made at Council’s meeting this Thursday, so stay tuned for updates.

Council’s APD Grant Vote

Last Thursday, June 4, the Austin City Council voted 7-4 in favor of funding a $430,685 grant for the Austin Police Department. This vote came in the wake of citywide protests and 8 hours of citizen communication regarding police brutality.

Symbolically, this grant served as additional funding for the police department when many community members are asking for reducing the police budget.

This grant specially accepted funds from the Texas Auto Burglary & Theft Prevention Authority, which is funded by the state government, to go towards the city’s Auto Theft Interdiction Project Programs.

The City will match $173,182 for the base salary and fringe benefits of existing City positions assigned in part to the project.

Opposing the grant funding were: Council Members Natasha Harper-Madison (District 1); Delia Garza (District 2); Greg Casar (District4); and Jimmy Flannigan (District 6) voted in opposition of the additional funding.

In favor were Mayor Steve Adler and Council Members: Pio Renteria (District 3); Ann Kitchen (District 5); Leslie Pool (District 7); Paige Ellis (District 8); Kathie Tovo (District 9); and Allison Alter (District 10).

Council Members Renteria and Ellis both cited frequent auto theft incidents in their districts for supporting.

More discussion of Austin Police Department budgets will continue in the coming days, weeks, and months.

Council will hear a proposed budget presentation from city staff on Monday, July 13. City Boards and Commissions have already discussed fiscal year 2021 budgets earlier in the year, including the Public Safety Commission, which oversees the Austin Police Department. Due to the recent outcry from the community, city staff is expected to revisit their recommendations prior to their presentation in July.

Austin Police Department budget in Fiscal Year 2020 is about $441.5 million, which is nearly 40 percent of the city’s General Fund.

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//The Bingham Group Team