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Travis County sets $42.25 million one‑time reserve for July flood response; FEMA reimbursement expected
Summary
The Commissioners Court created a dedicated one‑time disaster reserve of $42,252,976 to cover recovery from the July 5 flooding, approved during budget markup. County officials said roughly $17 million has already been spent and that FEMA may reimburse about 75% of eligible costs.
Travis County Commissioners on Sept. 3 set aside a $42,252,976 one‑time reserve to fund recovery and preparedness related to the July 5 flooding event.
County Budget Director Travis Gatlin told the court the reserve reflects a provision in Chapter 26 of the property tax code that allows temporary rate calculations for disaster response. Travis Gatlin and other county executives said the money is one‑time only and will not be included in the county's tax rate calculation for 2027.
The court and staff said the county already transferred about $17,000,000 from reserves for immediate repairs and had incurred roughly $1,500,000 in personnel costs for response activities. Staff recommended placing the money in a separate, newly created disaster reserve so it would not be commingled with other funds and could only be moved by court action. Gatlin said FEMA reimbursement is expected for eligible costs at an estimated 75 percent, but that reimbursements can take years to arrive.
Judge Andy Brown said the court will develop a plan with county executives and regional partners to prioritize repairs, noting the county's roughly 1,300 square miles of roads, bridges and low‑water crossings would mean the reserve would not cover all needs. Gatlin and others urged a coordinated plan with municipalities, TxDOT and the state to maximize available funds.
Court members approved the preliminary budget and continued markup, and the disaster reserve was explained as part of that process. Gatlin and staff said the county will present options to the court for prioritizing spending from the disaster reserve.
The court also discussed event timing for related proceedings: a public hearing on the Travis County tax rate is set for Sept. 16 in the Commissioners Courtroom; the public hearing on the proposed budget will be published and held with an advertisement scheduled for Sept. 12 and the vote on budget adoption planned for Sept. 30.
Why it matters: county officials said the separate reserve lets the county front‑fund repairs and services to affected residents and infrastructure while the county seeks federal reimbursement. Officials warned demand for roadway, bridge and debris work likely exceeds the new reserve and said the county must prioritize and coordinate with partners.
