Tag Archives: Travis County Commissioners Court
Vacancy rates in Travis County have declined overall since last year, per Compensation Office
Employee vacancy rates in key areas of Travis County are declining as a result of measures taken by county commissioners last year, such as increasing the minimum county wage from $15 per hour to $20 per hour, as well as…
Travis County • By Seth Smalley • May 24, 2023
Scrambling to fill unwanted correctional jobs, the county approves advertising contract
Travis County just granted the Sheriff’s Office a substantial chunk of money to help remedy its vacancy problem. On Tuesday, the Commissioners Court approved the transfer to the Sheriff’s Office to pay for a $483,000 contract with Palladium Media –…
Public Safety • By Seth Smalley • May 11, 2023
Travis County commissioners, Doggett celebrate "unprecedented" investment in social safety net
The Travis County Commissioners Court and U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett celebrated federal dollars allocated to address community needs and assist local nonprofit organizations at a Monday press conference. Several speakers credited Doggett for securing the $51 million from the Local…
Travis County • By Nina Hernandez • May 9, 2023
Travis County honors Sheriff’s Office, in light of substantial correctional staffing shortages
The Travis County Commissioners Court approved a proclamation Tuesday that recognized the week of May 7 as National Correctional Officers and Employees Week in Travis County. Commissioners announced the proclamation before a group of several county correctional officers, including Travis…
Public Safety • By Seth Smalley • May 4, 2023
Fentanyl-related overdoses doubled in a year in Travis County, per medical examiner
Despite significant work across Travis County over the last year, the number of overdose deaths increased 35 percent and the number of fentanyl-related overdose deaths climbed 108 percent. That number has increased tenfold since 2019 and has doubled since last…
Public Health • By Seth Smalley • May 1, 2023
City and county join forces for mental health diversion center plan
The words of Travis County Judge Andy Brown reflect the disturbing reality that, right now, the county jail is the largest mental health facility in the county for people who have needs that would be better addressed with other resources,…
Public Safety • By Ava Garderet • Apr 27, 2023
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Planning Commission delay pushes Council action on Palm District until July
After a series of delays stretching back to November, the Planning Commission is now expected to consider and possibly approve the Palm District Plan at a special called meeting May 30. As a result of the new meeting time, City…
Planning • By Chad Swiatecki • Apr 26, 2023
County to create new legal division, but advocates call for more autonomy
The Travis County Commissioners Court approved a proposal on Tuesday to create a new community legal division along with a county executive position to oversee certain elements of it. Under the plan, the chief public defender would report to a…
Travis County • By Seth Smalley • Apr 20, 2023
City may help Travis County with mental illness and substance use disorder pilot
The Travis County Commissioners Court approved a resolution last month to create a diversion center for people with substance abuse disorders and other mental health issues, who would otherwise end up in the county jail. On Thursday, City Council approved…
Public Health • By Jo Clifton • Apr 14, 2023
County greenlights long-awaited performance audit of Central Health
On Tuesday, the Travis County Commissioners Court greenlit a long-awaited independent performance audit with auditing firm Mazars for $854,200. The audit will examine how Central Health has used taxpayer money, with a close eye on the controversial, taxpayer-funded allocation of…
Public Health • By Seth Smalley • Apr 7, 2023
Travis County celebrated teaching Black history, despite attempts to ban it
The Travis County Commissioners Court officially proclaimed February 2023 as Black History Month in a unanimous vote last month. The proclamation was made in conjunction with the Austin Independent School District’s celebration of African American heritage. Commissioners drew attention to…
Education • By Seth Smalley • Mar 30, 2023
Travis County to build diversion center aimed at reducing recidivism
The Travis County Commissioners Court passed a resolution Tuesday to create both a diversion center for mental health and substance use disorders as well as fund construction for a new central booking and intake facility. During a press briefing on…
