The city of Austin is taking new approaches to stemming future budget shortfalls that result from previous service for special events. On average over the past five years, the city has recouped only 64 percent of its expenses incurred to service special events. One method to address future shortfalls is to initiate a cost-of-service study for all services required to support events to help guide future permitting fees to cover costs.

Source: Austin city staff to events organizers: Show us the money – Austin Business Journal