We’re still about a month away from March Madness, but Austin City Council members are already filling out their brackets. The council is deliberating what to do with a $14 million budget surplus at mid-fiscal year – the result of higher-than-expected sales tax and development revenues. The council held one work session delving into the topic already; at its work session tomorrow, the council’s posted to take action spending all or part of the available surplus. So what projects will council members fund?...
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As people prepare to celebrate Mardi Gras, the Austin Police Department has declared a "no-refusal" for Fat Tuesday. During no-refusal actions, officers can obtain blood search warrants on suspects who refuse to willingly provide a breath sample or cooperate with a blood test. Another Mardi Gras no-refusal action was in place over the weekend, and APD said 18 people were arrested under the initiative. No-refusal is an attempt to enforce driving while intoxicated laws. Earlier in February, APD declared no-refusal for Superbowl Sunday; 21 people were arrested. Drivers caught with a blood alcohol concentration level of .15 or higher face up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine if convicted. No-refusal will run from 9 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12 until 5 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13....
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