Austin Mayor Kirk Watson on Monday tore into a proposal for the Austin Transit Partnership to spend roughly $47 million to relocate and outfit new offices for the agency in charge of the city’s voter-approved light rail. He labeled the size of the package “inappropriate” and urged the board to think twice before locking in seven-figure office spending while construction planning is still underway. In response to the criticism, the ATP board postponed two office-related agenda items and directed staff to come back with more information.
According to KXAN, the agenda included a $15 million proposal to furnish leased space and a separate lease negotiation that could total up to $32 million, for a combined tab of about $47 million. ATP officials confirmed those figures and the decision to delay the votes to the outlet.
Cost, Staff Growth And Space Needs
In a statement, the Austin Transit Partnership said it currently employs roughly 200 people and expects that number to grow to about 300 by…..