Travis County Commissioners may approve a 9.12% property tax increase to fund repairs from flooding that occurred on July 5. This increase allows the county to raise an estimated $42 million for flood repair without voter approval, due to emergency disaster declarations. The county has already spent $7 million from emergency reserves on repair services and has limited funds remaining. Commissioner Brigid Shea expressed concern about taxpayers bearing repair costs that should be covered by other entities. Future FEMA reimbursements are uncertain, contributing to the financial strain on the county.
The emergency tax increase would provide the county $42 million to help with flood repairs. Some of the money could also be saved for future natural disasters.
The county has been drawing from its emergency reserves to pay for repairs to dozens of roads and bridges, debris removal and emergency services for people affected by the flooding.
Commissioners have until Oct. 1 to decide on the 9.12% tax hike. If approved, the average Travis County homeowner can expect to pay $200 more than what they paid the previous year.
Travis County Commissioner Brigid Shea said the county needs to keep track of how much it's paying to repair damage, costs she said should be shouldered by other entities.
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