Government
BY BEN THOMPSON & HALEY MCLEOD
Austin Public Health facing ‘uncertainty’
Austin Public Health grants at risk Austin's public health department has lost millions of dollars in funding amid federal funding cuts and uncertainty, and reported over $15 million more now at risk.
Housing for People with AIDS: $7,791,253 HIV surveillance, prevention: $4,636,528 Victim & Survivors of Violent Crime Trauma Recovery Program: $1,445,000 Immunization outreach: $694,344 Public Health Emergency Preparedness: $506,893 Firearms Technical Assistance Project: $500,000 STD/HIV-DIS Supplemental Workforce: $175,000 Texas Healthy Communities: $85,185 Medical Reserve Corps: $47,242
Austin Public Health continues to face an unpredictable financial outlook, as many of the heavily grant-funded department’s programs and employees remain at risk. “I think the conversation now is less about cuts and more about uncertainty and instability,” APH Director Adrienne Sturrup told City Council on Sept. 3. What’s happening A large portion of the public health department’s budget comes from federal sources, and more than half of its nearly 650 budgeted employees this fiscal year are supported by outside grants. Federal spending cuts and adjustments this year affected APH through the loss of millions of dollars so far, and further changes are anticipated.
Unmatched Academic Results Come tour a campus and see for yourself!
NOTE: APH'S REFUGEE MEDICAL SCREENING AND BIOWATCH PROGRAMS ARE ALSO AT RISK WITH NO FUNDING, BUT COULD BE MAINTAINED THROUGH LIMITED NO-COST EXTENSIONS THROUGH LATE 2025.
Challenger School offers uniquely fun and academic programs for preschool to eighth grade students. Our students learn to think for themselves and to value independence. Avery Ranch (PS–G8) (512) 341-8000 15101 Avery Ranch Boulevard, Austin Round Rock (PS–G1) (512) 255-8844 1521 Joyce Lane, Round Rock Spicewood Springs (PS–K) (512) 258-1299 13015 Pond Springs Road, Austin
SOURCE: AUSTIN PUBLIC HEALTH/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Central Health passes higher tax rate
Travis County homeowners will see about $64 added to their prop- erty tax bills after commissioners approved a Sept. 16 tax increase to fund county health care services. The big picture Commissioners approved a 9.3% tax rate increase for Central Health—the Travis County taxpay- er-funded hospital district—for fiscal year 2025-26 at $0.118023 per $100 valuation. For a home valued at about $515,213, the average homeowner will pay roughly $608 in property taxes to Central Health, up from $544 last year. Dubbed the “year of access” by Central Health officials, the additional funding would expand
Per $100 valuation Central Health tax rate
$.12 $.11 $.10 $.09 $.08 $0
+5.6%
SOURCE: CENTRAL HEALTH/TRAVIS COUNTY
and speed up health care options for low-income residents. Central Health documents outlined several “patient-first” priorities for the coming year, including reducing appointment wait times, curbing avoidable readmissions and more.
© 2024, Challenger Schools Challenger School admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin.
An independent private school offering preschool through eighth grade
9
NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION
Powered by FlippingBook