Commissioners approved the Central Health fiscal year 2017-18 budget and tax rate despite concerns from both the dais and the public at a meeting Tuesday morning.

The Central Health Board of Managers approved its budget Sept. 13 totaling $237.8 million with a tax rate of 10.7385 cents per $100 valuation, which is 4.5 percent over the effective rate. Although Central Health is lowering its tax rate from the current rate of 11.0541 cents, residents in the county could see an average increase in their property taxes of $12.50 per year allotted to the entity due to an increase in property values.

Questions over the Central Health budget began in August after an audit was conducted to review financial transactions of the Dell Medical School at The University of Texas with respect to its affiliation agreement with Central Health. The agreement is the result of a voter-approved 2012 ballot proposition, which resulted in a 5-cent property tax increase to fund a new medical school.

At a public hearing on Central Health's budget and tax rate in August, a number of community members and commissioners raised concerns over the lack of health services in eastern Travis County and the way Central Health spends its funding on the Dell Medical School.

"[We need to] do whatever it takes to move forward and someone has to give all the answers to the questions we are asking and I think these are legitimate questions," said Commissioner Gerald Daugherty. "I hope we can move forward. I am going to be fine with 4.5 percent above [the] effective [tax rate] but I think we need to get those questions answered."

A number of community members also spoke out against the approval of the budget and tax rate at Tuesday's meeting asking commissioners to delay the vote until concerns over spending could be addressed. However, one east Travis County resident Gus Pena asked commissioners to consider the impact this organization has on low-income families and how the delay of the budget would affect services.

"I do know there were some issues that have popped up," Pena said. "I've investigated the new hospitals and do have some issues with its accountability but I've had good quality care from Central Health and CommUnity Care and so has my wife. I just want the best product for the people."

Commissioners approved the budget and tax rate 4-0 with Commissioner Margaret Gomez abstaining. Gomez said her decision to abstains stems from her concerns of how Central Health is spending taxpayer money.

"There's no way for me to get any answers," Gomez said. "I hear from constituents and they are not happy and they are the ones that really need the services."