Tip Sheet: Travis County Commissioners 1-27

The Travis County Commissioners Court meets at 9 a.m. Tuesday in regular session. In the interest of space, we have decided not to post the entire agenda here. The County Clerk’s office posts a copy at its website.

Items of interest for Commissioners Court include:

3. Consider and take appropriate action on the dedication of a memorial for Senior Deputy Jessica Hollis to be placed along Fritz Hughes Park Road and the honorary renaming of said roadway. (Judge Eckhardt)

Monitor’s Take: At the request of Sheriff Greg Hamilton, Commissioners will consider renaming Fritz Hughes Park Road Jessica Hollis Parkway. Hollis, a senior deputy with the Sheriff’s Office, died in the line of duty last year while on patrol during a flood, In addition, the county would place a memorial marker at a location near where her patrol car was swept away during a flash flood.

24. Consider and take appropriate action on proposed agreement between the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District and the Texas Department of Transportation regarding proposed State Highway 45 Southwest. (This item may be taken into Executive Session under the Consultation with Attorney exception.) (Commissioner Shea)

Monitor’s Take: Commissioners will continue to discuss changes in the proposed agreement between TxDOT and the aquifer district. District officials agreed to delay consideration of the agreement so the County could study it and make suggestions for possible changes. Previous coverage is here.

31. Consider and take appropriate action on legislative matters, including: a. Update on legislative activities; b. Legislation relating to reform of the property appraisal process, including SB 280 and SB 281; c. Legislation related to the residential homestead exemption, including HB 490 and HJR 57; and d. Additions to the Priorities, Policy Positions and the Positions on Other Proposals sections of the Travis County Legislative Agenda. (Commissioner Shea)
32. Receive update from the Travis Central Appraisal District on Fiscal Year 2015 budget increases and discuss legislative outlook related to property appraisal reform. (Commissioner Shea)

Monitor’s Take: Commissioners will hear a report from Intergovernmental Relations Coordinator Deece Eckstein and the Appraisal District regarding several bills filed proposing to reform the state’s property appraisal process and the homestead exemption. Previous coverage is here.

33. Consider and take appropriate action on the scheduling of the bond election to finance the Civil and Family Courthouse Project, including updates on: a. The analysis of escalation costs due to delay; b. Other issues likely to be on the May and November ballots, and how Travis County costs of the election would be impacted; and c. Collaboration on project development with the City of Austin (This item may be taken into Executive Session under the Consultation with Attorney and Real Property exceptions.) (Judge Eckhardt)

Monitor’s Take: Commissioners will continue work toward calling a bond election for the planned Civil and Family Courthouse project, getting updated reports on costs associated with possible delays in the project. The Court will also hear from the County Clerk regarding other issues that may be on the May and November ballots. Previous coverage is here.