Approve an ordinance amending the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 General Fund Operating Budget (Ordinance No. 202508013-005) to increase appropriations in the Austin Fire Department Operating Budget by the amount of $5,913,706, and decrease the General Fund Operating Budget Other Requirements by $5,913,706 to provide additional funds to cover sworn personnel expenditures related to wages and benefits, revisions to sworn work schedule, and 22 additional positions to increase the department's authorized strength. Funding: $5,913,706 is available in the General Fund Operating Budget Other Requirements. Related to Items #1 and #3.

Summary

This ordinance amends the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 General Fund Operating Budget (Ordinance No. 202508013-005) to increase appropriations for the Austin Fire Department (AFD) by $5,913,706. This funding is reallocated from the General Fund Operating Budget Other Requirements, ensuring no change to the overall budget balance.

The amendment provides additional funds for sworn personnel expenditures, including:

• $4,260,359 for pay scale adjustments, effective January 11, 2026.
• $1,371,147 for a one-time $1,100 lump sum payment for eligible firefighters, to be paid in January 2026.
• $1,657,200 for the addition of 22 entry-level Firefighters, increasing the department's authorized strength from 1,303 to 1,325 FTEs.

These increases are partially offset by $1,250,000 in savings from sworn overtime due to a return to the 53-hour work week schedule in March 2026, and a $125,000 reduction from the removal of the sick buyback program. This action is related to other Council items concerning a proposed four-year collective bargaining agreement with the Austin Fire Association.

Citizen Impact

This budget amendment directly enhances public safety by funding 22 additional firefighters and improving compensation for existing sworn personnel, which can aid in recruitment and retention. It ensures continued fire and emergency services without increasing taxes, as funds are reallocated from within the existing budget.

Confidence

high