#travis-county

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#austin

After a decline last year, Travis County homeowners should expect a return to rising property taxes - Austin Monitor

Austin-area homeowners can expect an average property tax increase of $1,123 this year—an 11% rise, the largest since 2014.

Partners unite in fight against opioid epidemic - Austin Monitor

Austin, TX is addressing the ongoing opioid crisis through various interventions including naloxone distribution and harm reduction services.
Travis County has been awarded over $1.4 million from the Texas Opioid Abatement Trust Fund for opioid abatement programs.

After a decline last year, Travis County homeowners should expect a return to rising property taxes - Austin Monitor

Austin-area homeowners can expect an average property tax increase of $1,123 this year—an 11% rise, the largest since 2014.

Partners unite in fight against opioid epidemic - Austin Monitor

Austin, TX is addressing the ongoing opioid crisis through various interventions including naloxone distribution and harm reduction services.
Travis County has been awarded over $1.4 million from the Texas Opioid Abatement Trust Fund for opioid abatement programs.
moreaustin
#child-care

Travis County voters supported a tax rate increase to expand access to affordable child care. What happens now? - Austin Monitor

Travis County voters approved Proposition A, a tax increase to fund affordable child care and related workforce programs for lower-income families.

Travis County passes plan to invest in affordable child care - Austin Monitor

Travis County's Proposition A to fund affordable child care garnered 60% support, addressing the critical need for accessible services in the area's expensive market.

Ballot measure asks taxpayers to help fund access to affordable child care - Austin Monitor

Travis County is proposing a property tax increase to improve access to child care for families facing financial hardships.

County commissioners approve tax rate election to raise $75M for child care - Austin Monitor

Travis County proposes a tax increase to fund child care services, potentially creating thousands of new slots and improving access for low-income families.

Travis County voters supported a tax rate increase to expand access to affordable child care. What happens now? - Austin Monitor

Travis County voters approved Proposition A, a tax increase to fund affordable child care and related workforce programs for lower-income families.

Travis County passes plan to invest in affordable child care - Austin Monitor

Travis County's Proposition A to fund affordable child care garnered 60% support, addressing the critical need for accessible services in the area's expensive market.

Ballot measure asks taxpayers to help fund access to affordable child care - Austin Monitor

Travis County is proposing a property tax increase to improve access to child care for families facing financial hardships.

County commissioners approve tax rate election to raise $75M for child care - Austin Monitor

Travis County proposes a tax increase to fund child care services, potentially creating thousands of new slots and improving access for low-income families.
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County renews opioid overdose crisis declaration, funds more harm reduction - Austin Monitor

Travis County extends its opioid crisis declaration and funding for naloxone amid a troubling decline in opioid settlement funds, seeking to enhance harm reduction services.
#voter-registration

Travis County sues Paxton over voter registration efforts - Austin Monitor

Travis County is taking legal action against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton to defend its voter registration efforts and promote citizen participation.

The race for Austin mayor is too close to call. Provisional ballots may tip the scales. - Austin Monitor

A runoff election is likely for the Austin mayoral race due to provisional ballots and the requirement of over 50 percent plus one vote.

Austin post offices drop out of plan to host voter registration drive today - Austin Monitor

Local post offices in Travis County reversed a plan to facilitate same-day voter registration due to last-minute security concerns from the Postal Service.

Travis County sues Paxton over voter registration efforts - Austin Monitor

Travis County is taking legal action against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton to defend its voter registration efforts and promote citizen participation.

The race for Austin mayor is too close to call. Provisional ballots may tip the scales. - Austin Monitor

A runoff election is likely for the Austin mayoral race due to provisional ballots and the requirement of over 50 percent plus one vote.

Austin post offices drop out of plan to host voter registration drive today - Austin Monitor

Local post offices in Travis County reversed a plan to facilitate same-day voter registration due to last-minute security concerns from the Postal Service.
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Nearly 52% of registered voters in Travis County cast an early ballot - Austin Monitor

Early voting turnout in Travis County reflects a strong engagement, comparable to past elections but below the highs seen in 2020.
#criminal-justice-reform

Travis County passes budget with a focus on justice reform - Austin Monitor

Travis County's FY 2025 budget reflects a significant investment in mental health and legal services, impacting property taxes for homeowners.

Austin and Travis County fund diversion program for indigent youth facing low-level DWIs - Austin Monitor

Travis County is extending DWI court diversion programs to continue redirecting low-level offense cases to alternative support systems.

Travis County tests out program to provide lawyers for low-income defendants at its downtown jail - Austin Monitor

Travis County implements 'counsel at first appearance' program to provide lawyers for low-income accused individuals, with past challenges due to staffing shortages.

Travis County passes budget with a focus on justice reform - Austin Monitor

Travis County's FY 2025 budget reflects a significant investment in mental health and legal services, impacting property taxes for homeowners.

Austin and Travis County fund diversion program for indigent youth facing low-level DWIs - Austin Monitor

Travis County is extending DWI court diversion programs to continue redirecting low-level offense cases to alternative support systems.

Travis County tests out program to provide lawyers for low-income defendants at its downtown jail - Austin Monitor

Travis County implements 'counsel at first appearance' program to provide lawyers for low-income accused individuals, with past challenges due to staffing shortages.
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#central-health

Central Health sends 2025 fiscal year budget to Travis County for final approval - Austin Monitor

Central Health's $884 million budget emphasizes direct healthcare services and clinic expansion for low-income residents.

Central Health audit raises more questions than answers - Austin Monitor

Confusion exists over $35 million in taxpayer funds used by Central Health, with unclear guidelines on permitted use leading to misallocation of resources.

Attorney files complaint about consultant's statements on Central Health - Austin Monitor

Non-lawyers cannot legally declare compliance; attorney Fred Lewis challenges Steve Herbst's claims in Central Health performance review.

Travis County approves 6.5% tax rate increase for Central Health budget amid financial controversy - Austin Monitor

Travis County approved a tax rate increase and budget for Central Health, amidst concerns over transparency and the effective use of funds for indigent care.

Central Health sends 2025 fiscal year budget to Travis County for final approval - Austin Monitor

Central Health's $884 million budget emphasizes direct healthcare services and clinic expansion for low-income residents.

Central Health audit raises more questions than answers - Austin Monitor

Confusion exists over $35 million in taxpayer funds used by Central Health, with unclear guidelines on permitted use leading to misallocation of resources.

Attorney files complaint about consultant's statements on Central Health - Austin Monitor

Non-lawyers cannot legally declare compliance; attorney Fred Lewis challenges Steve Herbst's claims in Central Health performance review.

Travis County approves 6.5% tax rate increase for Central Health budget amid financial controversy - Austin Monitor

Travis County approved a tax rate increase and budget for Central Health, amidst concerns over transparency and the effective use of funds for indigent care.
morecentral-health

County to fully staff lawyers at bail hearings beginning Oct. 1 - Austin Monitor

Travis County is permanently implementing Counsel at First Appearance to ensure legal access at bail hearings, beginning Oct. 1, 2024.
#cost-savings

Travis County signs up for more reclaimed water - Austin Monitor

City Council authorized Austin Water for interlocal agreement with Travis County for purple pipe project.
Expanding purple pipe system to court buildings will save 45 million gallons of water annually for Travis County.

Travis County wrestles with equity in last phase of its hybrid work pilot - Austin Monitor

Travis County's teleworking initiative has brought about various benefits, including reduced emissions, cost savings, higher employee satisfaction, and increased recruitment applications.

Travis County signs up for more reclaimed water - Austin Monitor

City Council authorized Austin Water for interlocal agreement with Travis County for purple pipe project.
Expanding purple pipe system to court buildings will save 45 million gallons of water annually for Travis County.

Travis County wrestles with equity in last phase of its hybrid work pilot - Austin Monitor

Travis County's teleworking initiative has brought about various benefits, including reduced emissions, cost savings, higher employee satisfaction, and increased recruitment applications.
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During Social Work Month, county commissioners discuss the field's low average salaries - Austin Monitor

Social Work Month declared in Travis County recognizing vital contributions and challenges faced by social workers.
Commissioners urged to support social workers by addressing underfunding and low compensation.

Travis County approves tax breaks for child care providers - Austin Monitor

Travis County approved 100% property tax break for child care centers, following Austin's lead.
The tax break may not fully address the child care challenges in Travis County.

Travis County approves ambitious 'Marshall Plan' for northeast planning district - Austin Monitor

Eastern Travis County historically blighted
Marshall Plan aims to address systemic poverty and racism
City of Austin district plan focuses on equity and economic development

For the first time in 20 years, more people are leaving Travis County than moving in - Austin Monitor

Travis County experienced negative net migration in 2022-2023.
Factors for migration include affordability and job landscape changes.

Travis County declares local disaster ahead of April 8 total solar eclipse - Austin Monitor

Travis County declared a local disaster ahead of the solar eclipse to manage the influx of visitors and ensure safety.
The disaster declaration gives the county control over traffic, requires event registrations for safety, and ensures emergency services can operate smoothly during the eclipse.

County commissioners prepare for a complicated budget season - Austin Monitor

Positive economic outlook for Travis County in FY 2025 despite challenges
Travis County historically well-prepared to weather economic conditions
#city-council

Questions abound over pilot program for mental health diversion - Austin Monitor

City Council is considering a contract for a mental health diversion pilot program that would allocate $2 million.
Travis County has proposed $1.2 million for the program, but the value of Integral Care's services is unclear.

Travis County disputes APD statement about initial price tag of magistration agreement - Austin Monitor

City Council is expected to consider an interlocal agreement with Travis County for magistration services worth $9.9 million.
Previously, the city paid $6.9 million per year for magistration services.

Questions abound over pilot program for mental health diversion - Austin Monitor

City Council is considering a contract for a mental health diversion pilot program that would allocate $2 million.
Travis County has proposed $1.2 million for the program, but the value of Integral Care's services is unclear.

Travis County disputes APD statement about initial price tag of magistration agreement - Austin Monitor

City Council is expected to consider an interlocal agreement with Travis County for magistration services worth $9.9 million.
Previously, the city paid $6.9 million per year for magistration services.
morecity-council

Virtual magistration pilot now just a 'trial' - Austin Monitor

The Austin Public Safety Commission has tabled a resolution aimed at postponing a pilot program that would eliminate Travis County from the process of magistration for people arrested by Austin officers.
The resolution was tabled because the proposal presented by the police was different from what the commission understood, and they want to ensure feasibility before moving forward.

Renewed cooperation eliminates backlog of sexual assault evidence kits - Austin Monitor

The team created to improve Travis County's response to sexual assault is collaborating again after years of discord.
The reunion of the team has resulted in the elimination of the rape kit backlog.

Program supporting underutilized businesses shows progress - Austin Monitor

Travis County's Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) program has made progress in increasing the percentage of county contracts awarded to underutilized businesses since 2018.
Despite the progress, the program has missed its goals for payments to HUB businesses as a percentage of county expenditures.
#Travis County

Total eclipse could bring massive crowds in 2024

Travis County in Texas is expecting a surge in population in April 2024 as visitors come to see the total eclipse of the sun.
Western Travis County is well within the viewing path and is expected to attract the most visitors.
There are concerns about traffic congestion and the possibility of implementing a reservation system for county parks to manage the influx of visitors.

Republican push for hand counting leads to uncertainty about Travis County's 2024 primaries - Austin Monitor

Travis County in Texas is facing uncertainty about how to administer the 2024 primaries due to a divide between local political parties on hand counting and paper ballots.
The Travis County Democratic Party is concerned about the Travis County Republican Party's questions and positions regarding the primary election.

Total eclipse could bring massive crowds in 2024

Travis County in Texas is expecting a surge in population in April 2024 as visitors come to see the total eclipse of the sun.
Western Travis County is well within the viewing path and is expected to attract the most visitors.
There are concerns about traffic congestion and the possibility of implementing a reservation system for county parks to manage the influx of visitors.

Republican push for hand counting leads to uncertainty about Travis County's 2024 primaries - Austin Monitor

Travis County in Texas is facing uncertainty about how to administer the 2024 primaries due to a divide between local political parties on hand counting and paper ballots.
The Travis County Democratic Party is concerned about the Travis County Republican Party's questions and positions regarding the primary election.
moreTravis County

Travis County approves comprehensive study of emergency services - Austin Monitor

Travis County Commissioners allocate $400,000 for improved medical services to areas outside Austin due to growing costs and changing service needs.

Central Health talks new facilities, services in advance of 2025 budget - Austin Monitor

Travis County's public hospital district plans to introduce new clinical services to better serve low-income residents, utilizing budget reserves.
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