County Revenue Sources
- Counties derive the majority of their revenue from property taxes.
- 85+% of our ongoing revenue comes from property taxes
- Counties have limited “other” revenue options other than property taxes
All Counties are Unique: One Size Does Not Fit All
- Travis County is one of 254 Texas Counties
- Texas county government focuses primarily on the judicial system, health and social service delivery, law enforcement and corrections, and the County’s transportation infrastructure.
- Counties must comply with state mandates in the delivery of services.
Travis County Program Areas
Cost Drivers and Budget Considerations
- Population Growth – Travis County’s population continues to grow at unprecedented levels
- 10 year historical population growth rate is 2.6% overall & 3.1% in the unincorporated areas
- Travis County is anticipated to grow at 2.4% overall & 4.9% for unincorporated areas for 2019
- New or existing mandated programs
- Recent mandates include Michael Morton Act & Sandra Bland Act
- Other Considerations:
- Tax policy, affordability, 20% Homestead Exemption & Over 65/ Disabled Exemptions
- Interlocal cost increases for Emergency Medical Services, Public Health, etc
- Resources for anticipated jail requirements to maintain Jail Standards
- Security infrastructure
- Elections
- Emergency response and resiliency
- Investments to maintain a competitive workforce
Tax Rate Transparency in the Adopted Budget
- 10 Year History of Property Tax Bills for the Average Taxable Homestead and Median Valued Homestead
- 10 Year History that compares the Adopted Tax Rate to the Effective Tax Rate, Effective Maintenance and Operations Tax Rate and Rollback Rate
- Summary of Tax Rates and Homestead, 65 and Older and Disabled Exemptions by Major Jurisdiction
- Taxpayer Impact Statement that allows taxpayers to see estimated tax impact for property values at the Adopted Tax Rate, Effective Tax Rate and Rollback Rate
- Visit the Planning & Budget page to learn more.
Travis County Tax Rate History
Potential Revenue Impact to Travis County
