TipSheet: Travis County, 9.17.19

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.

7. Consider and take appropriate action on an appointment to the Central Health Board of Managers. (Judge Eckhardt)

Monitor’s Take: Current board member Cynthia Valadez is up for reappointment. County staff has endorsed her reappointment, noting that she has a good attendance record and is “a good contributor to the organization.”

12. Consider and take appropriate action on budget amendments, transfers and discussion items. (Commissioner Gómez)

Monitor’s Take: With the budget coming up next week, this is an opportunity for commissioners to recommend more changes.

19. Consider and take appropriate action regarding a request to delay the bulk water price increase. (Judge Eckhardt)

Monitor’s Take: In August the court voted to substantially raise the cost of non-potable bulk water, which it sells at one of its facilities in Southeast Travis County, from 25 cents per 100 gallons to $12.28 per 100 gallons. That price aligns with the actual cost of the water, county staffers explained in recommending the increase. However, the court may be having second thoughts after residents of a nearby subdivision that relies on the water came to protest what they described as devastating price increases.

20. Receive a briefing from county staff regarding Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) efforts to update their regional long-range transportation plan for 2045. (Commissioners Travillion & Shea)

Monitor’s Take: CAMPO is eyeing the federally required update of its regional transportation plan, which is required every six years. This is an opportunity for commissioners to provide input on what they want to see in terms of individual projects and long-term vision.

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