(Travis County, TX) – On August 31st, 2023, the Travis County Commissioners Court approved adjustments to the preliminary budget prepared by the Planning & Budget Office and advanced the budget markup process for fiscal year FY 2024. Travis County has an estimated proposed budget of $1.69 billion for FY 2024.
The Commissioners Court approved a preliminary budget and additional changes that will make significant investments in key priority areas. This includes:
Safe Stable Communities
- Mental Health Jail Diversion Pilot ($2,000,000) Funding for a portion of the planning and the implementation of a residential jail diversion center as approved by the Commissioners Court on March 21, 2023.
- Jail-Based Intake Program ($799,948) Fund the second year of the program, to ensure that individuals exiting the Travis County Correctional Complex (TCCC) are connected to and supported in continuing their mental health services.
- Marshall Plan ($250,000) Help identify quality public investments and funding mechanisms to support communities in Eastern Travis County that faced displacement and systematic racism.
Public Safety, Gun Violence Prevention, and Harm Reduction
- Community Overdose Prevention ($575,000) General Fund investment for community members to advise Travis County on where and how to spend overdose prevention funds.
- Harm Reduction, Overdose Prevention and Mental Health Fund ($350,000) Funds will help create an emergency action fund for overdose and suicide prevention and allow the Travis County to respond to emerging needs.
- Opioid Public Health Declaration Special Project Worker ($101,993) This staff member will assist with carrying out services related to the Opioid Crisis Public Health Declaration, which includes Narcan distribution and training, and overdose prevention resource distribution.
- Law Enforcement Active Shooter Training ($95,000) Training for all Constables and Park Rangers
Criminal Justice Reform
- Public Defender Expansion ($2,997,771) Supports various expenses, including personnel, operating costs, court costs, space costs, and case management.
- Creation of new County Executive for Community Legal Services ($320,484) Position will provide direct legal representation to eligible residents and the Law Library that provides legal services to all residents.
- Mental Health Public Defender Expert Witness Fees ($10,000) Ongoing operating resources to ensure separate and independent funds are available for use in hiring expert witnesses on behalf of MHPD clients.
- Mental Health Public Defender/Via Hope Special Project Workers ($142,077) Earmark for Apprentice Special Project Workers with lived experience covering mental health, substance use and the criminal legal system to promote recovery through shared experiences.
Workforce Investments
- 4% across-the-board raise for Travis County employees;
- Bilingual pay for employees at $125 per month;
- Increase the starting salary of TCSO
• Law Enforcement Deputies from $63,000 to $68,000;
• Corrections Officers from $50,000 to $55,000; - $5,000 or more increase to all other TCSO Law Enforcement and Corrections titles.
Good Governance and Elections
- Elections ($2,587,318) Resources will be used to improve ballot by mail and improve ADA access at polling locations.
- Spay/ Neuter Services Contribution Increase ($356,130) Funds for an earmark in the allocated reserve for an increase in county contribution for COA Animal services interlocal agreement.
Infrastructure, Transportation, and Environmental Investments
- FM 812 Local Match ($5,000,000) Travis County will fund a local match toward the TxDOT improvement project along FM 812 from FM 973 to the Bastrop County Line.
- Fleet Electrification ($677,000) Funding to supplement Centralized Fleet and Fuel for Transportation and Natural Resources to offset the effects of inflation on vehicle and energy prices.
- Park Land Management – Wildland Fire ($265,709) Funding to expand natural resource activities on all park properties and improve wildland fire management.
- Substandard Roads ($10,000,000) Improve some of the nearly 90 miles of existing substandard unpaved roads to County standards so they may be accepted into the County system for regular maintenance.
“The investments the Commissioners Court approved in our FY 2024 budget will help build a more equitable and resilient Travis County,” said Travis County Judge Andy Brown. “We made historic investments in public safety, mental health, justice reform, and environmental protections. This budget reflects the values and priorities of our community.”
"With this FY 2024 budget, Travis County continues to prioritize those constituencies who need the most help. Whether it is investing in the Marshall Plan for the Eastern Crescent or expanding our Public Defender Office, this Commissioners Court will help those in need, despite the fiscal roadblocks enacted by the Texas Legislature," said Jeff Travillion, Travis County Commissioner, Precinct 1.
"While the Texas Legislature continues its attacks on local governments with unfunded mandates and restrictions, the Travis County Commissioners Court remains focused on putting our constituents first with our FY 2024 budget. From improving access to the ballot box or managing our park lands to prevent wildfires, this Commissioners Court will invest in meaningful projects to better the lives of our communities," said Brigid Shea, Travis County Commissioner, Precinct 2.
"Travis County remains committed to providing fundamental services to improve the way of life for all our communities. By investing in our workforce and our infrastructure, we will make sure Travis County continues to keep up with the growth and needs of our growing population," said Ann Howard, Travis County Commissioner, Precinct 3.
“I am very pleased with the manner in which PBO captures the interests of the Commissioners Court along with long-term commitments that reflect the needs of the community,” said Margaret Gómez, Travis County Commissioner, Precinct 4. “Thanks to everyone who participated in this effort.”
