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Travis County
Travis County to establish first 'strategic plan'
The Travis County Commissioners Court voted Tuesday to begin formulating a long-range strategic plan to guide county policies and budgeting practices for years to come. The executives in charge of the county’s eight major departments have put in place strategic…
Travis County • By Jack Craver • May 23, 2019
Many parents at risk of losing their children look to Travis County's Office of Parental Representation
Low-income criminal defendants aren’t the only people Travis County is required to provide with legal representation. Parents at risk of losing custody of their children are also afforded assistance at no cost from the county Office of Parental Representation. OPR,…
Travis County • By Jack Craver • May 17, 2019
More than just a toll roads agency: CTRMA touts transit, bike and walking infrastructure
The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority’s ability to build new toll roads may be temporarily stymied by opposition from state leaders, but the agency is keeping busy with major ongoing projects. While the great majority of its spending is on…
Roads • By Jack Craver • May 15, 2019
Travis County leaders urge vigilance on flooding
Heavy rains over the past two weeks have not resulted in major residential flooding, but at least one death appears to be linked to flooding and government officials are urging residents to avoid certain waterways and to be on high…
EMS • By Jack Craver • May 14, 2019
Tax wranglers may once again sue appraisers
Once again a battle is brewing between firms seeking to help property owners lower the appraised value on their property and the Travis Appraisal Review Board. The issue boils down to scheduling of hearings with no regard for the fact…
Travis County • By Jo Clifton • May 10, 2019
Commissioners Court makes move on public defender's office
Travis County took a crucial step toward creating a public defender’s office when the Commissioners Court voted 4-1 Tuesday to submit an application for state funding to set one up. The commissioners made the move after months of debate among…
Travis County • By Jack Craver • May 8, 2019
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Revenue caps loom over discussion of public defender's office
Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt warmly welcomed a proposal to establish a county public defender’s office, saying it was imperative that Travis County join the vast majority of major urban jurisdictions in providing attorneys to represent criminal defendants who can’t…
Travis County • By Jack Craver • Apr 24, 2019
County considers matching Austin with $15 livable wage
Between the tax revenue ceiling regaining momentum at the state Legislature and ongoing affordability concerns, Travis County is looking for a way to increase its livable wage for county employees before the imminent property tax caps take effect. Todd Osburn,…
Travis County • By Ryan Thornton • Apr 17, 2019
County to acquaint itself with puzzling Pretrial Services
Despite its ongoing effort to keep Travis County defendants connected to their communities and out of jail whenever possible, the county Pretrial Services Department has not always been included in the county’s many recent discussions about reducing jail population and…
Travis County • By Ryan Thornton • Apr 4, 2019
Travis County already has a public defender's office – for juveniles
Amid the contentious public debate over the creation of a public defender’s office in Travis County is an oft-neglected fact: Travis County already has a public defender’s office. It just doesn’t serve adults. The Travis County Juvenile Public Defender, founded…
Travis County • By Jack Craver • Mar 28, 2019
Indigent defense work group gets new chance to find common ground
Yielding to the expertise of Amanda Woog, chair of Travis County’s indigent legal services work group, the Commissioners Court swiftly appointed two private defense attorneys to the group during its voting session Tuesday afternoon. Local attorneys Paul Quinzi and Michael…
Travis County • By Ryan Thornton • Mar 14, 2019
Eckhardt delivers State of the County address
Like the Wonder Woman mug of tea sitting on the podium before her, County Judge Sarah Eckhardt says Travis County is filled to the brim. With an unprecedented number of infrastructure projects in line for construction, a contentious array of…
