Travis County adopts $2.2B budget prioritizing public health

Travis County has adopted a $2.2 billion budget for fiscal year 2025-26, representing a 12 percent increase from the previous year. The plan includes a one-year property tax hike to replenish emergency reserves and cover the costs of flood recovery after July’s severe storms.

Commissioner Ann Howard said the budget was built responsibly despite the challenges. “I know it’s a difficult year for our constituents, but we have done a responsible job with this budget,” she said.

The budget funds essential county services such as public safety, infrastructure, and justice while expanding investments in health and human services. About $86 million is earmarked for a future mental health jail diversion center that will provide an alternative to incarceration for people facing nonviolent charges who also struggle with mental illness or substance use.

The plan also increases funding for Central Health to expand behavioral and primary care access across the county.

Commissioners approved a tax rate of $0.375845 per $100 of property value, roughly three cents higher than last year. For a home valued at about $515,000, that amounts to an increase of about $200, with $72 of that tied to flood recovery efforts.

The one-year adjustment will generate approximately $42 million to rebuild the county’s emergency reserve fund, which was depleted by cleanup and repair costs from the flooding event.

Alongside the county budget, a 9.3 percent tax rate increase was approved for Central Health, bringing the rate to $0.118023 per $100 valuation. Homeowners will see about $64 added to their tax bills.

Central Health officials have dubbed the coming year the “year of access,” focusing on expanding care for uninsured residents. Primary care spending will rise from $74 million to more than $103 million, while behavioral health funding will increase from $25.7 million to over $40 million.

The budget includes new funding for the Public Defender’s Office, pretrial services, and court technology upgrades to improve access to legal representation. Commissioners are also reviewing compensation adjustments for county staff, with a proposal expected later in October.