Exploring Paths to Reduce Police Spending Despite HB 1900

The debate over Austin’s police budget continues as city leaders explore ways to align with Texas’s HB 1900 while adhering to the ideals of the Reimagining Public Safety process. Passed in May, HB 1900 imposes strict penalties on cities that reduce their police budgets below 2019 levels. Yet, despite the law’s constraints, local officials are finding creative ways to pursue structural changes.

The Impact of HB 1900

HB 1900 sets a floor for police funding at the 2019 level, allowing reductions only if the city’s entire budget is cut proportionally. Violations trigger harsh consequences, including reduced property tax rates, withheld sales tax revenue, and potential disannexation elections impacting annexed areas over the past 30 years.

Faced with these penalties, Austin City Manager Spencer Cronk unveiled a fully compliant $442.8 million police budget in July 2021. This figure nominally exceeds the 2019 budget by 2.4%. However, after adjusting for inflation, it represents a 4% decrease in real terms, creating a loophole that allows for strategic budgetary adjustments.

Potential Workarounds

Austin leaders are exploring ways to reallocate resources within the constraints of HB 1900. For instance, while the FY22 budget restored some units, like the 9-1-1 call center, to the Austin Police Department, it did not refill 150 vacant officer positions, maintaining the force at 1,809 personnel.

Two Key budget strategies are:

• Allow rising pension and healthcare costs to naturally absorb more of the budget, potentially reducing funds for other areas.
• Shift roles like the forensics lab to standalone departments without cutting the overall budget.

Proposition A: A Controversial Ballot Measure

Proposition A, set for the November ballot, has sparked heated debate. The measure would require Austin to maintain two police officers per 1,000 residents, significantly increasing staffing and associated costs. Estimates suggest Proposition A could cost the city between $54.3 million and $119.8 million annually, funds many argue could be better spent on social programs.

The “No Way on A” campaign opposes the measure, labeling it “dangerous and fiscally irresponsible.” Advocates worry about its ideological impact, fearing it could reverse progress made during Austin’s reimagining efforts following the protests of summer 2020.