AUSTIN, Texas -- The capital city is no stranger to being the target of state lawmakers, especially when it comes to a battle between progressive and conservative public policy.

Some local leaders expect that to occur if they approve a new ordinance requiring all employers to provide paid sick leave to their employees.

"What protections will we have if we pass this, and then all of a sudden the state preempts us and it is taken away," said Leslie Pool, who represents Austin's District 7, covering parts of Central and North Austin.

Her question solicited a response from District 4 Council Member Greg Casar, who sponsored the draft ordinance and represents the district immediately east of Pool's.

"I want to do the right thing," he said. "Then we will have the discussion at the Legislature if it comes up."

Casar pointed out that Arizona voters approved a similar measure in 2016 by a large margin. He called that a victory since Arizona, like Texas, has a strong conservative base.

Regardless of partisan politics, a large number of Austin businesses are concerned by the implications of the draft ordinance. A survey by the Austin Independent Business Alliance found 88 percent of members oppose the plan.

Regina Estrada manages Joe's Bakery in East Austin and is also against the idea.

"I don't think we have really worked out all of the kinks," she said of the draft ordinance. 

Estrada said the city's proposed paid sick leave ordinance takes a one-size-fits-all approach to a diverse array of small businesses. In her restaurant alone, she has a mix of workers making $2.13 plus tips, as well as hourly and salaried staff.

If the ordinance takes effect, she would be required to set aside one hour of pay for every 30 hours an employee works, which they can cash in as sick time. For an employee making $10 an hour and working 40 hours a week, that's about $693 a year in accrued sick pay. However, Estrada said that does not account for additional labor costs to backfill those shifts with other employees.

"Down the line in the future, it is going to be one of the narratives--one on the list of reasons--why small businesses can't make it," she said.

Wheatsville Food Coop already offers paid sick leave to its employes. Dan Gillotte said he has not had any issues managing the balances for employees.

"We think it is very beneficial to our staff and really to the health and safety of our customers," he said.

If approved, Austin would be the first city in Texas to require paid sick leave for all employees. Before they decide Feb. 15, the City Council faces a swell of opposition from small businesses. Some said they support the city's goals, but they don't want to be forced to give something they might not be able to.