A tentative labor agreement between the city and local firefighters' union was withdrawn from City Council consideration Nov. 20, due to concerns over the possible financial impacts of a separate ballot measure the union released after the proposed deal was reached earlier this fall.

The details: The tentative four-year agreement was in late September and scheduled for final approval by council and Austin Firefighters Association members in November.

However, the AFA also announced a petition campaign for a city charter amendment to cement Austin's four-person fire engine staffing standard enacted in 2018. While it remains in place, AFA leaders said a permanent requirement is needed after city leaders including fire Chief Joel Baker floated a three-person staffing option this summer.

On Nov. 18, city leaders raised concerns over a petition provision they worry could hamstring Austin's entire budget before impacting the fire department. The city formally asked the Austin Firefighters Association to restart negotiations Nov. 19, and Austin leaders won't consider or approve a new contract until the union responds and addresses that issue.

Nagoya Steak and Sushi has closed its doors, according to a Facebook post from the restaurant’s owners. The final day of operation was Nov. 22.

In the post, the owners cited challenges finding a skilled teppanyaki chef to take over the kitchen as one of the major contributing factors to the business closing, and thanked the community for its support over the years.

What they offered: The restaurant served authentic Japanese cuisine, including sushi, sashimi and hibachi-grilled meats, as well as a variety of steaks and sides.

The location will be the future site of an authentic Sichuan Chinese restaurant, according to the Facebook post.

• Closed Nov. 22
• 11630 N. FM 620, Austin

This year, voters in communities across Texas were skeptical of local property tax hikes and supportive of larger tax breaks for homeowners and businesses, results from the Nov. 4 election show.

The overview: Voters in Community Impact’s coverage areas approved just over half of the local bond propositions and tax rate elections on the November ballot, according to previous Community Impact reporting. Statewide, 40% of tax rate elections and 45.9% of bond propositions passed, according to Sen. Paul Bettencourt, a Houston Republican and property tax policy writer.

Zooming in: Cities, counties, school districts and other local government entities use funding from tax hikes to build new schools and facilities; hire educators and first responders; and maintain local infrastructure. However, amid high inflation nationwide, more Texas residents are tightening their belts and asking local officials to do the same, fiscal policy experts told Community Impact.

Local governments whose tax hikes were shot down are now grappling with how to make cuts while maintaining essential services, Community Impact reporting shows.