Why Austin's Prop Q Tax Hike is a BAD Deal: Long-Time Resident & CPA Ellen Wood Breaks It Down
In this eye-opening interview, Ellen Wood—a lifelong Austinite, CPA, former CFO, and business owner—explains why she's voting NO on Prop Q, the controversial tax rate election that could jack up Austin property taxes by 20%. Discover how a "contrived" $33 million budget deficit is being used to justify over $100 million in new taxes, with no real cost-cutting or efficiency audits from the city.
Key highlights:
- The deficit? Ellen calls it unnecessary—City Manager presented a balanced budget, but Council tweaked it for optics.
- No emergency here: As a finance expert, Ellen says any business could trim 0.5% without breaking a sweat.
- Affordability crisis worsens: Renters, seniors on fixed incomes, and families face higher rents, fees, and taxes—up to $500+ more per year combined.
- Since 2016, Austin taxes have skyrocketed 130% with zero visible improvements.
- City resists external audits that could save millions, like in Houston—why the fear?
- This isn't just a one-time hit: It compounds forever, pricing out future generations from the Austin we love.
If you're an Austinite worried about rising costs, displacement, and fiscal irresponsibility, this is a must-watch. Ellen's insider perspective as a local leader will make you rethink Prop Q.
Vote informed—early voting starts soon! What do YOU think about Prop Q? Drop a comment below.
Timestamps:
- 0:00 - Introduction: Why Ellen is voting NO on Prop Q
- 0:07 - Ellen's Austin roots and background
- 0:23 - What is Prop Q? Explaining the 20% tax hike and $33M deficit
- 0:55 - Is the deficit "contrived"? City Council's role exposed
- 1:41 - No cost savings efforts: Critique of fiscal irresponsibility
- 2:40 - Is 0.5% a real emergency? Private sector perspective
- 3:24 - Why no external efficiency audit? Lessons from other cities
- 4:41 - External audits: What they are and why Austin fears them
- 5:40 - Does this help Austin's affordability crisis?
- 6:20 - Impact on renters, seniors, and fixed-income families
- 7:18 - What is the city actually doing about affordability?
- 7:59 - How Austin has changed: Growth vs. affordability
- 8:54 - Austin's declining affordability for future generations
- 9:43 - Prop Q accelerating displacement from Austin
- 10:48 - Broader tax increases: Travis County, AISD, and more
- 11:52 - Comparing Austin's tax hikes to neighboring areas (130% since 2016)
- 13:18 - Effects on vulnerable communities and no visible benefits
- 14:18 - Key message: Vote NO until the city cuts costs and audits
- 15:08 - The compounding, forever impact of Prop Q
- 15:44 - Long-term prognosis: More families priced out
#PropQAustin #VoteNoOnPropQ #AustinTaxes #AustinAffordability #TexasPolitics #PropertyTaxHike #FiscalResponsibility #AustinTX
