Travis County approves 2013–14 budget, tax rate

Travis County Commissioners Court approved its 2013–14 budget and tax rate during its Sept. 24 meeting.

In several motions, the court approved both items by a 3–2 vote with Commissioners Gerald Daugherty and Margaret Gomez opposing.

Starting Oct. 1, Travis County property owners will pay a property tax rate of 49.46 cents per $100 of property valuation—a decrease from last year's rate. Property owners may end up paying more in their bills, as overall, property values have risen since last year.

Leslie Browder, county executive for Planning and Budget, called the 2013–14 budget sound and balanced. She praised the court for its eye on long-term budgetary issues.

The total budget is $857.1 million; the general fund, which pays for most county services, makes up $618.7 million, Browder said.

Browder said the major elements of the budget included funding the county's justice system, corrections, public safety, health and human services and emergency services.

The budget also funds maintenance of the county's infrastructure, parks, roads, bridges, technology and facilities, she said.