Central Health officially approved its budget and tax rate for fiscal year 2015-16 that begins Oct. 1.

The Central Health board of managers voted Sept. 23 to approve a $295 million budget. Before the vote, Jeff Knodel, Central Health chief financial officer, said budget priorities for FY 2015-16 include completion of Phase 2 of the Central Health Southeast Health and Wellness Center, located on Montopolis Drive, and redevelopment of the University Medical Center Brackenridge campus.

Health delivery programs provided by nonprofit Community Care Collaborative, which was formed by Central Health and Seton Healthcare Family, will also take priority, Knodel said.

There was little discussion before the vote. Board chair Katrina Daniel noted the board had held several planning meetings, workshops and two public hearings on the proposed budget and tax rate.

“We’re not talking about anything we haven’t already talked about,” Daniel said.

The board approved the budget 8-0 with board member Dr. Thomas Coopwood abstaining. It also unanimously approved a new tax rate of $0.117781 per $100 of property value. The tax rate for FY 2014-15 was $0.1264 per $100 of property value.

Despite the rate drop, Central Health revenue is expected to go up by 4.5 percent, partially because of new property added to the tax rolls in the past year as well as to increased property values.

The budget can only take effect after it is approved by the Travis County Commissioners Court, which is scheduled to vote at its Sept. 29 meeting.