Commissioners back pilot to fund cleanup and help for property nuisance cases; TNR to coordinate with Austin Public Health
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Summary
Court approved moving an earmarked $302,000 to Transportation & Natural Resources to launch a nuisance abatement pilot with Austin Public Health; program will allow qualifying households (250% FPL) to apply for limited contracted cleanup and includes a TNR coordinator to work with APH and the county attorney.
Commissioners on July 29 approved moving an earmarked allocation into Transportation & Natural Resources (TNR) to start a nuisance abatement pilot intended to help low‑income property owners resolve serious public‑health or code violations when they lack the resources to do so themselves.
County executives described the pilot as a coordinated effort between TNR and Austin Public Health (APH). APH investigator Todd Mares described the city’s current intake and enforcement timelines and said both agencies seek voluntary compliance first and refer unresolved cases to the county attorney after an initial compliance period. Under the pilot, TNR will add a coordinator position to track cross‑agency referrals, help applicants apply for assistance and work with the county attorney’s office when legal action is necessary.
Program details in backup propose a simplified income verification threshold (250% of federal poverty guidelines) and a short application for residents who lack paystubs. The pilot includes $125,000 for contracted cleanup services, funds for program administration and for the coordinator. Michelle Serco (PBO) recommended TNR use existing temporary vacancy savings to fund the position for the remainder of FY2025 and that the annualized cost be budgeted in FY2026.
The court approved the transfer and pilot start after discussion and asked staff to return with quarterly updates on participation, efficacy and any recommended adjustments to the eligibility threshold.
Ending: Staff will implement the pilot in coordination with APH, report outcomes quarterly and adjust program parameters if participation or results suggest changes.