AUSTIN PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR’S UPDATE June 23, 2025 Welcome to AUSTIN PARKS & RECREATION VISION The Parks and Recreation Department will be an innovative leader in parks and recreation experiences. MISSION Inspire Austin to learn, play, protect and connect by creating diverse programs and experiences in sustainable natural spaces and public places. Ensure Parkland Offers Relief from Urban Life Parks and Recreation Month On June 5, 2025, Austin City Council and Austin Parks and Recreation announce the official City Proclamation recognizing the vital role parks and recreation play in improving the health, wellness and quality of life for all Austin residents. The City of Austin joins communities across the nation in celebrating National Park and Recreation Month this July. Park Planning and Development Project Updates College Row Pocket Park • Acquired by PARD in 2021 at 1901 E 11th St. • The project is in the Community Engagement phase • Community survey was launched May 9 and closed June 10 • Pop-ups were held to promote the survey on May 28 (Delores Duffie Recreation Center) and June 5 (College Row Pocket Park) Zilker Maintenance Barn • Construction scheduled to begin in July • Anticipated to be complete Summer 2026 Operations and Maintenance May Microburst Cleanup On May 28, a sudden storm brought hail, 80 mph winds, and 3 inches of rain to parts of North and East Austin. • Damage was reported in 76 total parks/facilities. 43 of those were developed parks. • • Eastwoods Neighborhood Park was hit hardest. • The storm damaged or blocked access to amenities in 19 locations. Grounds, Forestry and Facilities worked together to coordinate a quick response. • Most damage to developed parkland was cleared or repaired within a week. • Forestry continues to work through brush clearing in natural areas. Park Partnership Events Kids Block Party at Seaholm Intake Facility • Held on June 7 • Held in partnership with The Trail Conservancy and Austin Public Library • 450 attendees Juneteenth Celebration • Held on June 19 • Hosted open house at Montopolis School in partnership with Montopolis Proud • Celebration followed at the Montopolis Recreation Center Recreation Services Learn to Fish Community Events Alamo Recreation Center hosted fishing events from May to June, serving over 50 participants. PBS joined to film the program highlighting Texas Parks and Wildlife fishing license exemption and support for accessible programs. Disability Awareness and Support Training …
PARD ADULT 50+ SERVICES Parks and Recreation Board Meeting June 23, 2025 2 ADULT 50+ SERVICES AREA: • 3 Senior Centers • Conley Guerrero Senior Activity Center & Park • Lamar Senior Activity Center • South Austin Senior Activity Center & Annex • Varsity Generation Recreation Programs • 9 recreation center sites • Congregate Meal Program • 9 locations • Senior Transportation • Senior Outreach Program – 2 satellite locations • Varsity Games (formerly Senior Olympics) SENIOR CENTER FACILITIES: Conley Guerrero Senior Activity Center • 26,000 Sq ft • Budget: $582,051 • • 412 programs offered in 2024 • 18,175 visitors in 2024 FTEs: 5.5 Lamar Senior Activity Center • 10,116 Sq ft • Budget: $529,595 • • 536 programs offered in 2024 • 18,234 visitors in 2024 FTEs: 5 South Austin Senior Activity Center • 13,041 Sq ft • Budget: $558,152 • • 482 programs offered in 2024 • 30,372 visitors in 2024 FTEs: 5 VARSITY GENERATION PROGRAMS: 4 Sites offering daily programming Monday – Friday 9:00am – 12:00pm: • Gus Garcia Recreation Center • Virginia Brown Recreation Center Turner Roberts Recreation Center • • Mendez Recreation Center • Dittmar Recreation Center • George Morales Dove Springs Recreation Center Sites offering weekly programming with varied days and times: • Dolores Duffie Recreation Center • Cantu Pan Am Recreation Center • Montopolis Recreation Center • South Austin Recreation Center • Hancock Recreation Center CONGREGATE MEAL PROGRAM - 62,627 meals served in FY24 - Budget: $367,134 - Partnership with Capital Area Council of Governments & Meals on Wheels of Central Texas - 9 City Locations: Gus Garcia Recreation Center Asian American Resource Center Virginia Brown Recreation Center Alamo Recreation Center Conley Guerrero Senior Activity Center Mendez Recreation Center Durwood Neighborhood Center South Austin Senior Activity Center George Morales Dove Springs Recreation Center 5 RESOURCES & SERVICES OFFERED AT OUR SITES Food Resources • • Health / Exercise Resources • Social Lifestyle Programs • Creative Arts • Safety and emergency preparedness Technology • Community connections • • Continuing Education • Special Events Excursions • 6 HEALTHY/ EXERCISE RESOURCES Programs: Line Dancing • • Golden Rollers • Walk and Talk • • Senior Gardening Golden Rollers by Gishiallo • Gentle Morning Yoga • • Tai Chi Stretch and Strength • Water Aerobics Open Play Pickle Ball • Billiards • Ping Pong • • Card …
City of Austin Parks & Recreation Department Security Audit Parks and Recreation Board Meeting June 23, 2025 Roles and Responsibility Austin Parks Foundation City of Austin Parks & Recreation Arup US, Inc. Sponsor Review Owner Consultant Review, Site Support, and Stakeholder Engagement Security Audit and Lighting Assessment, Recommendations Development Contents • Overview & Approach • Audit Key Findings • Key Recommendations Overview & Approach Audit Phases Phase 1: Kick-off & Work Plan Identify available and relevant data. Initiate the transfer of data. Develop work plan with timeline. Phase 2: Research & Site Visits Conduct desktop research and interviews. Carry out site visits at 30 locations over a two-week period. Data processing and analysis. Phase 3: Security Assessment Tool & Recommendations Development Develop security assessment framework and tool concept. Draft security recommendations with estimated costs. Phase 4: Final Report & Recommendations Finalize security recommendations and assessment tool. Presentation of findings to the PARD Board. Overview & Approach Audit Objectives and Information Collected Primary objectives of the audit includes: • Document existing physical and operational security measures • Conduct a CPTED and lighting technical assessment • Collect observations of operational or physical vulnerabilities Physical security and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) assessments were conducted during both the day and nighttime. Security audit collections plan. 30 Sites Surveyed Overview & Approach Stakeholder Interviews and Survey Interview Date Interview Group PARD Teams December 2, 2024 Parkland Operations December 3, 2024 Safety / Security Technical Support, Contracts, Communication December 6, 2024 Facilities Programs Facilities Operations December 6, 2024 PARD Leadership North Team, South Team, Horticulture, Land Management, Forestry, Community Gardens, Historic Sites/Signage Safety Team, Park Rangers, Austin Police Department, Communications & Engagement Unit (CEU), Contracts Team Community Recreation, Cultural Centers, Nature Programs, Aquatics, Centralized Programs, Building Services, Aquatics Maintenance, Golf / Cemeteries, Athletics Maintenance, Facilities Management Interim Director, Chief Financial Officer, Programs, Planning, Capital Improvement Projects (CIP), Assets, Facilities, Operations and Maintenance, Cemeteries, Golf, Special Events, Aquatics Stakeholder interviews were conducted to understand safety and security experiences unique to different PARD teams. Digital survey links were also sent to PARD stakeholders to collect feedback. Good Parks! Other Parks! Audit Key Findings Safety and Security Environment – APD Reported Crime Data • Approximately 80% of reported property crimes in and around parks are either larceny or motor vehicle theft. • Crimes against society account for the second most reported incidents. Disorderly conduct account for almost …
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommenda)on Number: (20250623-01): Alloca)on of an addi)onal $1.5 Million in City of Aus)n Grant Funding for Nonprofit Organiza)ons Addressing Youth Development, Basic Needs, and Educa)onal Equity to Combat Federal Funding Cuts WHEREAS, the Human Rights Commission of the City of Aus;n is charged with advising the City Council on issues affec;ng the human rights of Aus;n residents and advancing policies that promote equity, dignity, and quality of life for all; and WHEREAS, local nonprofit organiza;ons are essen;al partners in advancing community well-being by addressing social determinants of health and equity, par;cularly in the areas of youth development, food and housing insecurity, and access to educa;onal opportunity; and WHEREAS, recent federal budget cuts—most notably the abrupt cancella;on of approximately $400 million in AmeriCorps grants as of April 2025—have destabilized thousands of nonprofit programs across the country, including many in Central Texas; and WHEREAS, this loss of federal support has resulted in the suspension or elimina;on of more than 32,000 AmeriCorps service posi;ons, including roles cri;cal to youth mentorship, food distribu;on, housing support, and community educa;on in Aus;n; and WHEREAS, addi;onal federal reduc;ons have included over $1 billion in cuts to USDA programs that support food banks and nutri;on assistance, proposed cuts of up to 40% to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and a $300 million reduc;on to the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program—all of which place addi;onal strain on local safety nets; and WHEREAS, these federal cuts come at a ;me when infla;on and the rising cost of living in Aus;n are deepening economic dispari;es and driving increased demand for nonprofit services addressing basic needs, mental health, and educa;onal support; and WHEREAS, many local nonprofits are now facing urgent capacity constraints and funding shor\alls due to these reduc;ons, and may be forced to scale back or shut down essen;al programs without ;mely local interven;on; and WHEREAS, the City of Aus;n has both the opportunity and the responsibility to safeguard con;nuity of services for its most vulnerable residents, par;cularly when federal retrenchment dispropor;onately harms youth, low-income families, and historically marginalized communi;es; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: That the Human Rights Commission strongly urges the Aus;n City Council to allocate $1.5 million in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget to support local nonprofit organiza;ons delivering cri;cal services in the areas of youth development, basic …
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommenda)on Number: (20250623-01): Recommending Enhancements to the City of Aus)n's Rapid-response and Disaster-preparedness Systems for Unhoused and Low-Income Residents During Extreme Weather WHEREAS, the City of Aus<n currently operates cooling centers in libraries and recrea<on facili<es and issues text alerts to unsheltered residents with mobile devices; however, these centers are typically open only during regular business hours and require individuals to reach the sites independently; and WHEREAS, recent improvements to cold-weather sheltering, including raising the ac<va<on threshold to 35°F, providing advance no<ce, offering aNer-hours transporta<on, and u<lizing hotel vouchers for families, have made winter protec<ons more predictable, demonstra<ng the effec<veness of clear triggers and mul<-agency coordina<on; and WHEREAS, the City of Aus<n has joined the C40 Heat, Health, and Equity Challenge Fund and secured a $70,000 grant to pilot innova<ve cooling solu<ons for people experiencing homelessness, but this ini<a<ve is a temporary pilot rather than a permanent citywide program; and WHEREAS, peer-reviewed studies show that people experiencing homelessness face heat-aUributable death rates up to 100 <mes higher than the general popula<on, and na<onal advocacy organiza<ons es<mate that unsheltered individuals are approximately 200 <mes more likely to die from heat-related causes than those who are sheltered; and WHEREAS, Aus<n’s average summer temperatures have steadily increased over the past decade, with projec<ons from the Na<onal Weather Service indica<ng that the city may experience more than fiNy 100-degree days per year by 2030, crea<ng an unprecedented public health risk for unsheltered residents; and WHEREAS, a comprehensive rapid-response framework must address not only extreme heat but also severe storms, flooding, wildfire smoke, and sudden power outages, all of which dispropor<onately threaten the lives and health of unhoused Aus<nites; and WHEREAS, extreme-weather events, including prolonged power outages, flooding, hail, and high-wind storms, also undermine the health, food security, and economic stability of low-income housed Aus<nites, compounding the risks faced by unsheltered residents; and WHEREAS, households living paycheck-to-paycheck oNen must discard hundreds of dollars’ worth of perishable food aNer mul<-day outages and may face urgent home or vehicle repairs that, if unaddressed, threaten employment and housing stability; and WHEREAS, peer Texas ci<es have shown that rapid, needs-based grants of $500–$1,000 can avert cascading crises by helping residents replace lost food, secure safe shelter, and restore transporta<on within days of a disaster; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: The Human Rights Commission …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20250623-003 Date: June 23, 2025 Subject: Zilker Café Concession Contract Motioned By: Kathryn Flowers Seconded By: Pedro Villalobos Recommendation The Parks and Recreation Board recommends to Austin City Council to authorize the negotiation and execution of a contract with Legacy Hospitality and Entertainment Group LLC for the operation and management of the Zilker Café to maintain the food and beverage concession at Zilker Park. Vote: The motion to approve a recommendation to Austin City Council to authorize the negotiation and execution of a contract with Legacy Hospitality and Entertainment Group LLC for the operation and management of the Zilker Café to maintain the food and beverage concession at Zilker Park was approved on Vice Chair Flowers motion, Board Member Villalobos’ second on a 6-1 vote. Those voting aye were: Vice Chair Flowers, Board Members, Franklin, Kearns-Osterweil, Orme, Taylor, Villalobos. Those voting nay were: Board Member Eubanks. Chair Bazan, Board Members Abou-Emara, Becker and Merritt absent. For: Kathryn Flowers, Jennifer Franklin, Diane Kearns-Osterweil, Shelby Orme, Kim Taylor, Pedro Villalobos. Against: Ted Eubanks. Abstain: None. Absent: Luai Abou-Emara, Stephanie Bazan, Lane Becker, Nicole Merritt. Attest: Tim Dombeck, Board and Council Liaison, Parks and Recreation Department.
Park Data Sources TPL 2025 ParkScore Texas Parks and Wildlife Department SCORP Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account, U.S. and States, 2023 (BEA) 2024 Outdoor Participation Trends Report - Outdoor Foundation The National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, & Wildlife-Associated Recreation (USFWS) NPS Visitor Use Statistics National Recreation and Parks Association National Survey of Recreation and the Environment (NSRE) TPL ParkScore Methodology Austin Rankings
06 Date of Approval: June 23, 2025 Motion by Commissioner Davis, second by Commissioner Kirsh Pozen Record of the vote: Approved on a 7-0 vote For: Chair Duhon, Vice Chair Zeidan, Commissioners Bryant, Davis, Kirsh Pozen, Khawar, Oliva Martinez Against: None Abstain: None Absent: Commissioner Clemmons Recuse: Commissioners Aslam, Krueger Attest: ________________________ (Human Rights Commission Staff Liaison)
07 Date of Approval: June 23, 2025 Motion by Vice Chair Zeidan, second by Commissioner Oliva Martinez Record of the vote: Approved on a 9-0 vote For: Chair Duhon, Vice Chair Zeidan, Commissioners Aslam, Bryant, Davis, Kirsh Pozen, Khawar, Krueger, Oliva Martinez Against: None Abstain: None Absent: Commissioner Clemmons Attest: ________________________ (Human Rights Commission Staff Liaison)
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES JUNE 23, 2025 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES JUNE 23, 2025 The PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD convened in a REGULAR meeting on June 23, 2025 at 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas Vice Chair Flowers called the PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Ted Eubanks, Kathryn Flowers, Jennifer Franklin, Pedro Villalobos. Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Diane Kearns-Osterweil, Shelby Orme, Kim Taylor. Board Members Absent: Luai Abou-Emara, Stephanie Bazan, Lane Becker, Nicole Merritt. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Carol Baxter featuring Isabelle and Ameilia - Austin Rowing Club Phillip Thomas - Free Zilker Coalition Gail Rothe - Alternative Funding for Parks APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of May 19, 2025. The motion to approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of May 19, 2025 was approved on Board Member Villalobos’ motion, Board Member Franklin’s second on a 7-0 vote. Board Members Abou-Emara, Bazan, Becker and Merritt absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Presentation, discussion and approve letters of support for the PARD Senior Programming Team. Kelly Maltsberger, Recreation Program Manager, Parks and Recreation Department gave a presentation and answered questions on South Austin Senior Center Dance Programming, funding forecast, increased demand among Austin's 65+ community, and federal grants. The motion to approve letters of support for the PARD Senior Programming Team was approved on Board Member Eubanks motion, Board Member Franklin’s second on a 6-0 vote. Board Member Villalobos off the dais. Board Members Abou-Emara, Bazan, Becker and Merritt absent. 1 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES JUNE 23, 2025 3. Presentation, discussion and approve a recommendation to Austin City Council to authorize the negotiation and execution of a contract with Legacy Hospitality and Entertainment Group LLC for the operation and management of the Zilker Café to maintain the food and beverage concession at Zilker Park. Denisha Cox, Contract Management Supervisor II, Parks and Recreation Department; and Adriana Ybarra, Procurement Supervisor and Paul Trimble, Procurement Specialist IV, Financial Services Department gave a presentation and answered questions on the timeline for this concession, interest in this solicitation, whether any facilities near the Zilker Café sell alcohol, whether lifeguards opposed the sale of alcohol at the Zilker Café, how the City knows that the lack of alcohol sales decreased interest in this concession, …
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Monday, June 23, 2025 The Human Rights Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, June 23, 2025, at 4815 Mueller Blvd, Mueller Assembly Room in Austin, Texas. Chair Duhon called the Human Rights Commission meeting to order at 6:07 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Kolby Duhon (Chair) Gabrielle Zeidan (Vice Chair) Tannya Oliva Martinez Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Muneeb “Meebs” Aslam Danielle Bryant Morgan Davis Harriet Kirsh Pozen Maryam Khawar Mariana Krueger PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission regular meeting on May 19, 2025. The minutes of the May 19, 2025 meeting were approved without objection on Chair Duhon’s motion on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Bryant and Krueger were off the dais. Commissioner Clemmons was absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion regarding actions that the commission can take besides recommendations, including potential presenters and community engagement at future commission meetings. Discussed. 1 3. Discussion regarding topics for potential future briefings by Austin Police Department, including responses to recent protests. Discussed. 4. Update regarding actions by the Texas State Legislature in 2025 relating to human rights. This item was postponed until the July commission meeting on Chair Duhon’s motion, Commissioner Bryant’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Clemmons was absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve the formation of a working group to follow-up and track progress on the commission’s FY2025-26 budget recommendations. The motion to form a working group to follow-up and track progress on the commission’s FY2025-26 budget recommendations was approved on Commissioner Bryant’s motion, Vice Chair Zeidan’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Clemmons was absent. Members: Commissioners Zeidan (Chair), Aslam, Clemmons, Oliva Martinez 6. Approve a recommendation to allocate an additional $1.5 million in City of Austin grant funding for nonprofit organizations addressing youth development, basic needs, and educational equity to combat federal funding reductions. The recommendation was approved on Commissioner Davis’s motion, Commissioner Kirsh Pozen’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Clemmons was absent. Commissioners Aslam and Krueger recused themselves due to their conflicts in associated organizations. 7. Approve a recommendation for enhancements to the City of Austin’s rapid-response and disaster-preparedness systems for unhoused residents during extreme weather. The recommendation was approved on Vice Chair Zeidan’s motion, Commissioner Oliva Martinez’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Clemmons was absent. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 8. Update from the intergroup relations working group about …
Water and Wastewater Commission Budget Committee Meeting June 20, 2025 – 1:00pm Waller Creek Center 625 E. 10th Street, Austin, Texas Some members may be participating by videoconference. For more information go to: http://www.austintexas.gov/wwc Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register, call or email the commission liaison at 512-972-0332 or Vicky.Addie@austintexas.gov. Members of the public wishing to speak in person on the agenda and non-agenda related items must sign up at least ten minutes before the meeting is called to order. Budget Committee Members: Marcela Tuñón (District 9), Committee Chair Christopher Maxwell-Gaines (District 8), Committee Vice Chair Mike Reyes (District 4) AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers who register to speak before the meeting in person or by noon the day before the meeting remotely by telephone, will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of minutes from the June 2, 2025 Water and Wastewater Commission Budget Committee meeting DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Austin Water Financial Forecast Operating Requirements Cost Drivers 3. Austin Water Financial Forecast New FTEs 4. Austin Water Capital Spending Plan Update 5. Discussion of the Water and Wastewater Commission Budget Recommendations Report DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS 6. Review and possible action for future meeting schedule FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Discussion of future agenda items ADJOURN The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Vicky Addie at Austin Water, 512-972-0332 for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Water and Wastewater Commission, please contact Vicky Addie at Vicky.Addie@austintexas.gov.
WATER AND WASTEWATER COMMISSION BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES Monday, June 2, 2025 The Water and Wastewater Commission Budget Committee convened in a regular called meeting on June 2, 2025 at Waller Creek Center, 625 E 10th Street, Austin, Texas. Chair Marcela Tuñón called the Water and Wastewater Commission to order at 9:05 a.m. Budget Committee Commission Members in Attendance: Chair Marcela Tuñón and Vice Chair Christopher Maxwell-Gaines Budget Committee Commissioners Absent: Mike Reyes PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL There were no speakers registered. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. Austin Water Financial Forecast Fiscal Year 2026-2030 Update Austin Water Assistant Director of Financial Services, Joseph Gonzales gave a presentation. The commissioners discussed the information presented. Austin Water Financial Manager Christina Romero assisted in answering questions. 2. Review Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget Schedule Austin Water Assistant Director of Financial Services, Joseph Gonzales presented the budget schedule. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS 3. Review and possible action to approve the 2025 Budget Committee meeting schedule The Budget Committee will review availability to schedule a follow-up meeting. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Discussion of future agenda items. No discussion was held. ADJOURNMENT Chair Tuñón adjourned the meeting at 10:34 a.m.
Austin Water Austin Water Forecast Operating Requirements Cost Drivers FY2026 Forecast $831.7 M FY2025 Amended Budget $773.6 M $58.1 M City-wide cost drivers $4.4 million increase in City-wide wage adjustment $1.1 million increase in Health Insurance $0.6 million increase in Employee retirement contribution $0.4 million increase in Fleet Fuel and Maintenance Department-wide cost drivers • $21.0 million increase in Transfers Out primarily due to increased CIP Cash Financing transfers • $15.0 million increase in Debt Service Requirements resulting from capital spending plan growth and increases in scheduled debt service payments • $8.4 million increase in wages due to unbudgeted retention stipend conversion • $1.9 million increase in chemical and electric services costs • $1.6 million increase in contractual and commodities inflation cost • $1.1 million increase in commercial paper admin expenses and bond issuance cost • $1.0 million increase in uniform and signage costs for City-wide branding transition • $0.7 million increase in wildland conservation land management and conservation plan consulting services cost • $0.6 million increase in large diameter valves, pump, and electric motor replacement and maintenance cost • $0.6 million increase in Wastewater treatment filter media replacement cost • $0.6 million increase in bio-solid reuse services • ($2.4) million decrease in utility billing system support Impact of new positions • $1.5 million increase for 13 new Temp Conversion FTEs
Austin Water FY26 Forecast Staffing Request Summary Title Customer Experience & Satisfaction Customer Service Rep Sr Temporary/Contractor to Permanent Number of Positions Justification 1 This position offers direct customer service and support AW's Customer Service Contact Center (dispatch) team, which operates 24/7, 365 days a year. It converts four temporary positions into full-time budgeted roles. Customer Experience & Satisfaction Total 1 Enterprise Resiliency Coord, Project Treatment O & M Tech Senior Enterprise Resiliency Total Operational Optimization AW Pipeline Technician Sr AW Pipeline Technician Sr Business Process Spec IT Support Specialist Sr 1 This position will replace a temporary employee and will inspect existing water and wastewater infrastructure in the right-of-way. This is to prevent and minimize damage to the AW infrastructure and avoid interruptions to water and wastewater services during fiber optic and telecom projects. 2 These positions will replace temporary employees and conduct AW's required inspections and activities of 141 AW Lift Stations and 14 Odor control facilities weekly while also assisting with the maintenance of more than 70 fixed and 20 portable generators. 3 1 This position replaces a current temporary employee and is vital in promoting environmental stewardship and reducing sanitary sewer overflows to comply with the requirements set by EPA and TCEQ. The responsibilities include conducting wastewater manhole inspections, performing smoke testing, and walking through creeks to identify issues and prevent emergencies. 1 This position replaces a current temporary employee and is vital in promoting environmental stewardship and reducing sanitary sewer overflows to comply with the requirements set by EPA and TCEQ. The responsibilities include conducting wastewater manhole inspections, performing smoke testing, and walking through creeks to identify issues and prevent emergencies. 1 This position replaces a temporary employee and expands data management and interpretation capabilities in Risk Management team; follows up on injuries & collisions; facilitates review boards; oversees corrective actions and makes recommendations. 2 These positions will provide IT Support for PCs/laptops and reduce the tech to device ratio to a supportable 1:230 ratio. Currently there are 1400 PCs/laptops translating to a 1:460 tech to device ratio, and best practice is a 1:75/100 ratio. They replaces a current temporary employees. Ocptnl Health & Safety Spec Sr 1 This position replaces a current temporary employee and develops additional scorecards focused on high-risk but routine work practices addressing both distribution and treatment operational areas: traffic control practices and confined space entry practices. Operational Optimization Total Water …
