Travis County fiscal picture for Aug. 5, 2014

Here’s a look at Travis County’s spending habits, approved by the County Commissioners Court on Aug. 5. Expenditures out of the Fiscal Year 2014 budget, totaling $1,943,041.39: $243,080 to Atchley & Associates for financial audit services for Fiscal Year 2014.…

Local Government • By Beth Cortez-Neavel • Aug 8, 2014

TxDOT won't withdraw draft of SH45 SW environmental study

The Texas Department of Transportation has refused to suspend or withdraw the draft environmental impact statement, called an EIS, for the roadway design of SH45 Southwest, as requested by Austin City Manager Marc Ott July 23. In addition, TxDOT has…

Development • By Jo Clifton • Aug 7, 2014

Adler has a good day, but falls short of getting endorsement

Editor Jo Clifton contributed to this report. Although he did not win their endorsement, mayoral candidate Steve Adler had a good day at the Austin Environmental Democrats meeting Wednesday, coming away with 47.5 percent of the vote. His closest rival,…

Elections • By Gene Davis • Aug 7, 2014

Environmental Democrats hear Riley, Tovo, but make no endorsement

In front of Wednesday’s standing-room only crowd at the Austin Environmental Democrats forum, micro houses– so-called “granny flats” – proved a defining issue between Council members and District 9 candidates Kathie Tovo and Chris Riley. However, neither of them was…

Elections • By Gene Davis • Aug 7, 2014

Structural review calls Travis County dysfunctional, recommends changes

The Travis County governmental structure is dysfunctional and needs to reorganize under one main administrator, according to a report by an independent consultant group hired to assess the county’s internal administrative system. However, some county officials, while not surprised by…

Local Government • By Beth Cortez-Neavel • Aug 7, 2014

Council resolution would move city closer to allowing very small units

The City of Austin may soon designate a clear path within its Land Development Code for residents to legally construct and dwell in very small houses pending approval of a resolution to be voted on at today’s regular Austin City Council meeting.…

Development • By Tyler Whitson • Aug 7, 2014

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Austin Monitor Radio, Show 10

Shady Hollow resident and SH-45 proponent Pam Baggett and Democratic Travis County Pct. 2 Commissioner nominee Brigid Shea join the Monitor‘s Mike Kanin to talk SH45SW.

Development • By Michael Kanin • Aug 6, 2014

Travis Commissioners OK incentive deal for Charles Schwab

Travis County approved the $8.5 million economic incentive agreement with Charles Schwab Tuesday morning, ensuring an Austin expansion of their offices and an estimated 823 new jobs for Austin within the next ten years. Charles Schwab will also get $4.5…

Local Government • By Beth Cortez-Neavel • Aug 6, 2014

Homestead exemption could leave $36 million budget hole to fill

A homestead tax exemption as a percentage of appraised value on homeowners could potentially blow a $36 million hole in the next city budget, though it would also put close to $200 back in most taxpayers’ pockets, according to a…

Development • By Tyler Whitson • Aug 6, 2014

Austin Energy pitches Council to restore its cash reserves

Austin Energy officials pressed Austin City Council members Tuesday to allow the utility to reconfigure its cash holdings to allow it to fill a series of neglected reserve funds. The move, according to utility representatives, would better position the utility…

Local Politics • By Michael Kanin • Aug 6, 2014

Austin Energy looks to get under affordability cap

Austin Energy General Manager Larry Weis told the Austin Monitor Tuesday that he and utility staff are working on a proposal that would keep the utility’s FY2015 budget revenue request under a 2 percent affordability cap on potential rate increases.…

Local Politics • By Michael Kanin • Aug 6, 2014

Adler files for mayor, cites proposal for homestead tax exemption

Attorney Steve Adler announced a proposal for a sweeping change in the city’s property tax system Monday as he filed the documents necessary to get a place on the ballot for the mayoral election in November. Standing before a small…

Elections • By Jo Clifton • Aug 5, 2014

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