Lifeguards enjoying a one-time bonus this year could end up making less money next summer

by Fred Cantu CBSAustin

Wednesday, July 27th 2022

The Austin City Council blocked off an entire day to hear YOUR thoughts on the proposed city budget but YOU didn't show up. And that gave those who did the ear of the city council just days before their budget negotiations begin.

Wednesday’s budget input session gave a coalition of local groups one last chance to pitch council members on a $74-million agenda they call their "Community Investment Budget." The plan includes emergency rental assistance, inclement weather sheltering, a $22/hour minimum wage for city workers and a wage increase for Austin Travis County EMS.

Kathy Mitchell supports the proposal. She explains, “I have no doubt given that ems is the lowest paid and smallest of the agencies that there is money in that bucket to fully fund their ask and we really hope that you do that.”

Supporters of the plan are also worried lifeguards enjoying a one-time bonus this year will end up making less money next summer. Lifeguard Scott Cobb says, “Starting lifeguards this summer made $16.00 plus $2.50. That’s $18.50. Next summer if the starting living wage is $18.00 they get a cut of 50 cents. That’s not going to help recruit all the lifeguards we need to open all the pools.”

With all that said, some speakers stilled want the council to watch the bottom line. Alexander Fulton said, “We’re very excited to be here in this community but every year now we cringe when we see our property tax bill.”

The city is quick to remind us their property taxes are just a fraction of your total tax bill, and Austin's portion promises to be $100 smaller than last year. Still taxpayers like Fulton are pleading, “I ask that y’all look deeply into the property tax and find ways to provide additional relief.”