Austin musicians say the local live music scene has taken a beating in the past five years.

More people are making downtown their home -- and raising the volume on fights over sound from clubs.

That's why in January the Austin city council formed the Live Music Task Force.

“The intent of this task force is to improve and increase live music in Austin, Texas,” said Rich Bailey, mayor Will Wynn’s chief of staff.

He’s worked with the task force as its members created a list of recommendations.  They include establishing a city music department that will oversee live music venues, promote musician services, including health care, provide sound enforcement and control, and develop 'entertainment districts' where music can be played loud and late.

Will Rhodes is production manager at Club DeVille on Red River in downtown Austin.  He's worked with the task force and has heard both sides of this debate.

“The people that are really upset have never even really been to these clubs…and I think a lot of people on our side haven't really listened to the other side and given them a chance, they just read what's in the paper and they get all riled up about it,” said Rhodes.

Rhodes doesn't agree with all of the task force's recommendations, but sees this first draft as good place to start talking.

“In a sense, we've all got to work together on this because it's all our livelihoods,” said Rhodes.

The mayor's office says the new department would start with one or two employees.

A public hearing will be held next Wednesday, October 29^th, at city hall.  The council could hear a final proposal by November 10th.