Government
BY ELLE BENT & BEN THOMPSON
Homestead tax exemptions boosted Austin City Council raised the local homestead tax exemption for senior and disabled residents in May. The details The update reduces the taxable value of senior and disabled Austinites’ primary residence by $30,000 more, for a $154,000 total exemption. The move follows other increases approved in recent years. Rising home appraisals coupled with the cost of covering the revised senior home- stead exemption could cost others about $100 on their next bills. Breaking down the exemption City officials increased Austin's senior and disabled homestead exemption in May, a move expected to keep property taxes flat for eligible homeowners.
Temperatures rising The number of hot days in Austin is expected to increase through the 2000s, especially with high greenhouse gas emissions.
Historical (1979-2020)
Near term (2021-2040)
Mid-century (2041-2070)
End-century (2071-2100)
105
71
69
41
18
16
Min. temp. > 80°F 0 2 15
0 1 3
Max. temp. > 100°F
Max. temp. > 110°F
NOTE: MEDIAN PROJECTIONS ARE BASED ON A HIGH GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSION SCENARIO.
Number of days annually
SOURCES: CITY OF AUSTIN, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN CITY CLIMATE COLAB/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Austin officials prepare for summer heat to worsen With dangerous heat levels likely to continue this summer, local officials are advising residents to stay safe and prepared through the season. The gist
$1B wastewater plant project moves forward Austin officials approved spending more than $1 billion to upgrade one of two main wastewater treatment plants serving much of Austin Water, partially supported by utility rate hikes. What happened Multiple contracts for the Walnut Creek Waste- water Treatment Plant’s expansion and enhance- ment were approved by City Council on May 30. The Walnut Creek facility is located on the far east side of the city and treats more than half of Austin’s wastewater. The plant’s current capacity of 75 million gallons per day, or MGD, will be increased to 100 MGD, along with other improvements. The new capacity likely won’t be reached for at least two decades. City libraries and recreation centers, as well as county community centers, are open as cooling centers during business hours this summer. What else? New projections from The University of Texas and city researchers have suggested Austin will see intensifying summer conditions over the decades ahead. More hot days and swings from wet to dry weather are predicted as the climate changes and local population grows, while summer highs could rise 10 degrees by the end of the century. Austin’s count of summer heatwaves and hot spells—respectively defined as three or more straight days of “excessive” heat and two or more straight days with highs over 102.5 days—are expected to at least double.
Dripping Springs library fees waived The Dripping Springs Community Library is no longer charging overdue fees for items. The overview Individual books, DVDs and CDs will no longer accrue late fees and will automat- ically renew up to two times if no other person is waiting on the item. Additionally, all late fines have been forgiven. Instead of late fees, accounts will be barred from checking out new materials until items are returned. Damaged or lost items will still incur a fee. “We’re removing barriers to access information,” DSCL Campaign Manager Sarah Rose said. City and county officials said locals should plan to conserve energy and water this summer, and keep an eye out for friends, family and neighbors— especially those who are older or more medically vulnerable to heat. Heat-related illnesses are already on the rise, causing 123 hospital visits in May alone—a more than 150% increase over last year. Austin/Travis County EMS Chief Robert Luckritz said residents should be aware of heat illness signs—like nausea, clammy skin and dizziness— and hydrate or seek shade if any are being experienced.
$520,835
Home value
20% homestead exemption - $104,167 New senior/disabled exemption - $154,000
$262,668
Home taxable value
SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant
SENDERO HILLS PKWY.
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Work is expected to begin next year and wrap up by 2031. The facility will continue to operate while construction takes place across the plant. What’s next The treatment plant expansion has been in planning for years ahead of the projected rate adjustment, which will help cover project costs. AW anticipates its rates could rise about 30% over the next four years. New rates will be set during the summer budget process.
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