Travis County Eyes One-Year Property Tax Hike to Fund Flood Repairs

Travis County officials are weighing a one-time property tax increase of 9.12% to address the significant financial impact of the severe flooding that occurred on July 5, resulting in tens of millions of dollars in damages. The Travis County Commissioners Court is set to reach a final decision by October 1, as detailed in the county’s preliminary 2026 budget.

If given the green light, the short-term rise would result in an extra $200 expense for the typical homeowner compared to the previous year. Typically, a property tax increase exceeding 3.5% would necessitate the consent of the electorate. Following the issuance of state and federal emergency declarations after the flood, the county is now able to proceed without the need for a ballot measure.

Travis County has allocated $7 million from its emergency reserves to address road and bridge repairs, debris removal, and emergency services for residents affected by the flood. With under $2 million remaining in those reserves, the proposed tax hike is projected to generate $42 million in additional funding—sufficient to support ongoing recovery efforts and bolster reserves for potential future emergencies.

Commissioner Brigid Shea voiced her dissatisfaction regarding the financial strain placed on local taxpayers. “Taxpayers are being held responsible for these expenses, and they are not the ones who caused them,” she stated. “It is important for additional parties to take on this responsibility.”

The county has submitted a request for reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Still, officials caution that the arrival of those funds may take years, if they come through at all. Travis County Budget Director Travis Gatlin expressed apprehensions regarding the long-term dependability of FEMA. “It’s important to recognize that this falls under the county’s jurisdiction, and we might not find assistance from other sources,” he stated.

The proposed tax hike is intended to be a short-term measure, reverting to standard rates after one year. However, Gatlin highlighted the increasing importance of sustainable emergency funding. “Throughout my 24 years here, we’ve encountered wildfires, winter storms, flooding, and a pandemic,” he stated. “These occurrences are on the rise.” What if two occur in a single year?

The Travis County Budget Office is now accepting public comments on the proposed 2026 budget.