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, reducing the taxable value of senior and disabled Austinites’ primary residence by $30,000 more, for a $154,000 total exemption. Rising home appraisals plus the revised senior homestead exemption could cost others about $100 on their next bills. Breaking down the exemption Home value $520,835 - $104,167 New senior/disabled exemption - $154,000 20% homestead exemption
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 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 and hydrate or seek shade if experiencing them. City libraries, recreation centers and county community centers are open as cooling centers during business hours this summer.
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. Heat-related illnesses are already on the rise,
$262,668
Home taxable value
SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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NORTH - NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION
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