The Travis County Commissioners Court said yes last week to a proposed RV park that was facilitated by an exemption to certain development regulations county staffers believe are not necessary for homes on wheels. “What we’re trying to recognize is that vehicles are different than your stick-built or manufactured homes,” said Anna Bowlin, division director […]
Jack Craver
Posted inTravis County
County hopes to block new waste facility in Northeast Austin
County leaders are unanimous in their hope that the Austin Community Landfill closes as soon as possible. They are united in their opposition to the landfill operator, Waste Management, adding a transfer station to the existing facility. It’s not clear whether the county can decide whether WM can add the new facility if the company […]
Posted inTravis County
Eckhardt offers the city Palm School in exchange for expo center, hotel tax
Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt says that she and her colleagues on the Commissioners Court are willing to give away the Palm School to the city of Austin. But they want a couple of big things in return. In a letter to City Manager Spencer Cronk, Eckhardt proposes the county transfer ownership of the historic […]
Posted inPremium Types
TipSheet: Travis County, 11.19.19
The Travis County Commissioners Court meets every Tuesday at 9 a.m. To help our readers stay informed, each week we offer a selection of interesting items from the voting session agenda. The entire agenda is available at the Travis County website. 20. Consider and take appropriate action on options and strategies available to the permit […]
Posted inTravis County
Exit Eckstein: Travis County’s retiring lobbyist reflects on his battles at the Legislature
After 11 years, Deece Eckstein is calling it quits as Travis County’s top lobbyist. He recently told members of the Commissioners Court that he will retire from his position as the intergovernmental relations officer at the end of the year. Eckstein, 65, said he envisions eventually returning to some type of work in the advocacy […]
Posted inElections
Eckhardt hopes city will pare down convention center plans for sake of Expo Center
Travis County voters gave county government the go-ahead last week to rebuild the aging exposition center on Decker Lane, but it could be a decade before the project breaks ground. County Proposition A, which passed with 63 percent of the vote, authorized the county to levy up to a 2 percent hotel tax to fund […]
Posted inPremium Types
TipSheet: Travis County, 11.12.19
The Travis County Commissioners Court meets every Tuesday at 9 a.m. To help our readers stay informed, each week we offer a selection of interesting items from the voting session agenda. The entire agenda is usually available at the Travis County website, but the website was down Monday night. 19. Consider and take appropriate action […]
Posted inBonds & Propositions
Travis County opts to ‘Energize the Expo,’ but it could be years away
Updated: 10:48 p.m.: Travis County voters have decided to energize the expo. More specifically, residents voted in favor of County Proposition A, which authorizes the county to levy up to a 2 percent tax on hotel guests to fund a renovation of the aging Travis County Exposition Center on Decker Lane. Unofficial results posted at […]
Posted inPremium Types
TipSheet: Travis County, 11.5.19
The Travis County Commissioners Court meets every Tuesday at 9 a.m. To help our readers stay informed, each week we offer a selection of interesting items from the voting session agenda. The entire agenda is available at the Travis County website. It’s expected to be a short day for the Commissioners Court. The biggest news […]
Posted inPublic Safety
Travis County leaders defend bail practices
For years, Travis County leaders have touted the county’s progressive bail policies, which allow a large percentage of the accused to get out of jail without posting a cash bond. Each person who is booked into jail on a charge is assessed by the county’s pretrial services division, which will usually recommend releasing the person […]
Posted inPreservation
Court approves Palm School protections but future of property uncertain
The Travis County Commissioners Court easily approved a set of restrictive covenants aimed at preserving the Palm School building if the county sells the property that is home to the historic structure. The court voted 4-1 in favor of a set of restrictions drawn up by county staff several months ago that commit any future […]
Posted inPremium Types
TipSheet: Travis County, 10.29.19
The Travis County Commissioners Court meets every Tuesday at 9 a.m. To help our readers stay informed, each week we offer a selection of interesting items from the voting session agenda. The entire agenda is available at the Travis County website. 5. Receive an update from the Jail Population Management Group. (Commissioners Daugherty & Gómez) […]