TipSheet: Travis County, 5.21.19

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 on the Travis County website.

7. Receive the Travis County Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) and the Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018. (Judge Eckhardt)

Monitor’s Take: As the Commissioners Court anxiously anticipates state legislation that will make it much harder for the county to raise property tax revenue, commissioners are on the lookout for efficiencies that will free up dollars. This audit might offer some guidance.

13. Consider and take appropriate action on legislative matters, including: A. Update on legislative activities B. Status of major legislative issues facing counties, including revenue caps, publicly-funded lobbying, and judicial administration C. Modifications to the Priorities, Policy Positions, and Positions on Other Proposals sections of the Travis County Legislative Agenda (Commissioners Shea & Daugherty)

Monitor’s Take: The big issue today will be a bill being debated Monday at the Capitol that would ban local governments from spending money to lobby for or against state legislation. The court is unanimous in opposing the measure, which commissioners have said would cripple the ability of local governments to advocate for their interests, including through organizations such as the Texas Municipal League and the Texas Association of Counties.

20. Consider and take appropriate action on the Commuter Leave Incentive Program. (This item may be taken into Executive Session under the Consultation with Attorney exception.) (Commissioner Shea)

Monitor’s Take: Travis County already encourages employees to find alternatives to driving alone to work by providing transit passes and van pools. This proposal would reward county employees who commute to work by means other than single-occupancy vehicles with additional paid time off. The PTO would be based on the number of days they commute by alternative transportation or telework.

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