CivicIn7 Austin | September 18, 2025
Good morning, Austin.
Two months after July's deadly flooding drained Travis County's emergency fund, commissioners this week approved property tax increases to help rebuild—while Austin Energy proposes higher monthly fees and the city transitions shelter operators. The combined property tax impact: about $264 more for the typical homeowner.
Travis County Commissioners Approve Property Tax Increases for Flood Recovery and Healthcare
Summary: On Tuesday, the Travis County Commissioners Court approved two actions that will raise the typical homeowner's property-tax bill by a combined amount of roughly $264: a one-year county tax increase for flood recovery/road safety (≈$200) after July flooding drained emergency reserves, and a separate increase tied to Central Health's FY26 rate (≈$64) driven by federal funding cuts.
Bottom Line (for homeowners):
≈$200 (one-time, 2025 only): A Travis County disaster tax increase to refill reserves and accelerate flood/road repairs after devastating July flooding.
≈$64 (ongoing annually): Central Health's FY26 budget adds to your bill for hospital district funding as part of their "Year of Access" response to federal budget cuts.
Due Jan. 31, 2026: Pay in full or arrange a payment plan with the Travis County Tax Office.
Key Data Points:
County (one-year disaster increase): ~9.12% rate hike; ~$200 average impact; ≈$42.2M revenue for recovery/reserves and infrastructure.
Central Health: $0.118023 per $100; average homeowner pays ≈$64 more; CH’s average taxable homestead used for illustration is $515,433.
Payment Deadline: 2025 tax bills are due January 31, 2026 (penalties start Feb 1).
Direct Austin Impact: For Austin property owners in Travis County, expect two higher line items this cycle—a one-time county increase for flood response and an ongoing Central Health charge for healthcare access. This does not change City of Austin or AISD rates. The timing reflects urgent needs, as emergency reserves are depleted while federal funding cuts force local taxpayers to shoulder more healthcare costs.
Civic Engagement:
Look up your specific tax bill at the Travis County Tax Office.
File or confirm your homestead exemption with TCAD to lower future bills.
Over 65 or disabled? Review deferral and installment plan options.
Sources: Travis County Commissioners Court agenda and vote; Central Health FY26 Budget Documents; Travis County Tax Office; Travis Central Appraisal District; Additional coverage from KUT and Community Impact.
THE RUNDOWN
Headline: Austin Energy Proposes Raising Monthly Fee to $16.20; Council Decision Pending Summary: Austin Energy’s fixed monthly "Customer Charge" is currently $15. As part of the FY26 budget cycle, the utility has proposed raising it to $16.20. The final decision rests with Austin City Council, which typically sets new rates to take effect Nov. 1.
Why now: The proposal comes as Austin Energy faces increasing infrastructure costs while trying to maintain some of the lowest residential rates among major Texas cities.
Direct Austin Impact: If Council approves the increase, all residential customers would see a higher fixed charge before usage. Customers enrolled in the Customer Assistance Program (CAP) are exempt from the fee.
Civic Engagement: Track the proposal in the Austin City Council agenda, review Austin Energy rebates, and contact your City Council member to share feedback.
Sources: Austin Energy tariff documents; Electric Utility Commission minutes; Austin Monitor.
City Ends Urban Alchemy Shelter Contracts Over Data Misreporting; Endeavors Tapped for Interim
Summary: The City of Austin will end Urban Alchemy's contracts for two downtown shelters following confirmed data misreporting. The city plans an emergency contract with the nonprofit Endeavors through Sept 2026, pending Council approval on Oct 9.
Why now: The termination comes after city auditors discovered discrepancies in shelter occupancy and service reporting, forcing immediate action to maintain accountability while ensuring services continue.
Direct Austin Impact: Shelter operations continue, but clients and staff should expect new management and procedures during the switchover.
Civic Engagement: Watch for Council’s Oct. 9 agenda and follow the Health and Human Services Committee for oversight on provider standards.
Sources: Austin Monitor; Austin American-Statesman; CBS Austin.
“Exceptional Drought” Triggers Major Well Restrictions Starting Oct. 1
Summary: The Barton Springs-Edwards Aquifer Conservation District has declared Stage 3 Exceptional Drought for only the second time in its history. Effective Oct 1, 2025, this requires 30–100% pumping cuts for permit holders.
Why now: Regional water stress continues despite recent flooding, with the groundwater district moving to its highest restriction level as aquifer levels remain critically low.
Direct Austin Impact: Private well owners and some nearby cities (e.g., Buda, Kyle) relying on the aquifer face curtailments. This signals broader regional water stress, reinforcing the need for all Austin Water customers to conserve.
Civic Engagement: Permit holders should review BSEACD drought curtailment rules and attend upcoming board meetings.
Sources: Barton Springs-Edwards Aquifer Conservation District official drought declaration.
BRIEF MENTIONS
I-35 Construction: Lane closures continue downtown through late September. Plan alternate routes using DriveTexas.org.
AISD Enrollment Count: Official student enrollment numbers are due by the end of the month and could affect more than $5M in state funding.
BY THE NUMBERS
$42.2M — One-year county revenue from the disaster-exception tax increase (≈9% hike), equal to about 5% of the county’s overall budget growth.
11.8023¢ per $100 — Central Health’s FY26 tax rate, adding ≈$64 per average homeowner, representing about 5% of the total property tax bill.
30–100% — Groundwater pumping cuts for permit holders under BSEACD “Exceptional Drought,” the district’s strictest restrictions since 2011.
THE CIVIC CALENDAR
Today, Sept 18: Austin City Council Meeting - Final budget/tax rate vote (10:00 AM) [Agenda]
Mon, Sept 22: Capital Metro Board Meeting (12:00 PM)
Thu, Sept 25: Austin ISD Board Meeting (5:30 PM)
Fri, Sept 26: Deadline for public comment on proposed sidewalk fee.
Oct 1: Exceptional Drought restrictions begin.
Oct 6: Last Day to Register to Vote for the November election.
