Austin City Council members are setting their sights on next year’s budget and collaboration in 2012.

Although they had to wade through nearly an hour of verbal sparring first, council members spent much of Tuesday evening compiling a list of seven priorities for the coming year.

Because the council makes a list of priorities instead of set goals, members decided to keep a few of last year’s priorities, like supporting green initiatives and Vision 2020, on the list.

Much of 2012 will consist of budget work for 2013. The council has indicated it will discuss the budget at one meeting per month. In past years, the council does not discuss the budget in detail until about August. Council member Steve King said they need to be hypervigilant in finding ways to make Austin’s local government more efficient and affordable.

The council also plans on looking for more ways to collaborate with different agencies and neighboring cities to save money.

 

2012 Priorities

Support Vision 2020

Look for cooperative efforts with Albert Lea

Establish an informal process to gain citizen input

Continuously review budget to find efficiencies

Research opportunities to collaborate with other governmental units

Continue to support HIP program

Continue to support green initiatives