Government
BY: ELISABETH JIMENEZ, HALEY MCLEOD & BEN THOMPSON
Austin proposes record budget, tax election likely
Hays County to appeal road bond ruling Hays County commissioners voted to appeal a June court ruling that overturned the county’s $440 million bond election, which stops the county from funding more than 30 planned road projects. The details The bond was approved by 55% of voters in November. O cials said the appeal would honor the majority decision by following through with the mobility projects.
City Manager T.C. Broadnax proposed a $6.3 billion scal year 2025-26 budget in July, including a $1.48 billion general fund for pub- lic-facing services. The big picture Broadnax’s budget is supported by a 10% tax rate increase. The city estimated the “typical” res- ident—with a median-valued home and standard service usage—can expect a combined 4.9% cost increase from taxes, utility charges and fees. However, city o cials have signaled they’ll likely ask voters to raise taxes further this fall given projected future shortfalls, and the loss or expiration of various federal dollars. “Austin still needs investment to be successful. We still need high-quality services to have a high quality of life,” Mayor Kirk Watson said in a newsletter. City Council is now reviewing the spending plan and will approve a nal budget with amendments aimed at their priorities mid-August.
Austin’s proposed general fund covers most city services used by residents. Public safety (police, forensics, re, EMS) 65.61%
14.53% Parks, libraries
Public health, homelessness, social services 9.83%
Transfers/other 3.36% 2.5% Municipal court
1.72% Housing and planning
“This is beyond just a road bond being voided. This is about thousands of voters’ voices being overturned.” MICHELLE COHEN, COUNTY COMMISSIONER
1.69% Animal services
0.75% Arts, culture, music, entertainment
SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN COMMUNITY IMPACT
Travis County ood recovery continues
The overview Several deaths and missing person were con- rmed. As of July 14, damages are standing around $73 million with that number expected to continue climbing, a county spokesperson said. Moving forward Travis County has opened a temporary two-way low-water crossing next to the damaged Sandy Creek Bridge to support debris removal and reconnect the community. Restrictions remain in place including a burn ban through Aug. 5.
County o cials extended a local disaster declaration this month after deadly ooding left widespread damage in Northwest Travis County over the Fourth of July weekend. “This is going to be a long recovery,” commis- sioner Ann Howard said.
Several roads in Northwest Travis County were left impassable after intense ooding.
SAM SCHAFFER COMMUNITY IMPACT
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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION
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