Central Health's $875M Budget: Access for All, $64 Tax Hike | The Locally Times
Travis County homeowners face a $64 average property tax increase as Central Health approves an $875 million FY26 budget, themed 'Year of Access' to bridge healthcare gaps.
Travis County homeowners will see their average property tax bill increase by $64 under Central Health's newly approved $875.1 million Fiscal Year 2026 budget. This significant allocation of resources comes with a direct financial impact on local taxpayers. ## Funding Healthcare Delivery: Where the Money Goes Central Health's FY26 budget dedicates $433.9 million to Healthcare Delivery, the largest portion of its unrestricted expenses, finance documents show. This includes: * **Primary Care:** $103.4 million for medical, dental, and behavioral health services. * **Specialty Care:** $37.3 million, with an additional $40.2 million specifically for behavioral health. * **Purchased Healthcare Services:** $210.9 million. * **Pharmacy Services:** $19.5 million. Direct Healthcare Services also fund specific areas like Psychiatry & Addiction Care ($3.2 million), Cardiology ($2.4 million), and Transitions of Care ($11.5 million). Administration costs are set at $46.6 million, and the UT Affiliation Agreement receives $35 million. Central Health recently renewed its Federal Health Center Program grant, further strengthening its capacity to provide care across Central Texas, a recent news release confirmed. ## Property Tax Burden: Why Your Bill is Rising Property taxes form the backbone of Central Health's FY26 budget, contributing $378 million in unrestricted revenue, detailed in finance documents. The approved total tax rate is 11.8023 cents per $100 valuation (11.3569 cents for Maintenance & Operations, 0.4454 cents for Debt Service). For an average taxable homestead valued at $515,433, the projected tax bill is $608.33 — a $64 jump from the previous year. This increase comes despite a 1.8% decline in average single-family residential market values. The Travis Central Appraisal District attributes the overall 5.48% rise in the county's appraisal roll (to $482 billion) to increases in commercial properties, which ultimately impacts the tax base. These notices detail market value, taxable value with exemptions, and protest procedures. Property owners can protest if they believe their property's market value is incorrect. The deadline to file a protest is May 15, 2026, or 30 days after a notice is mailed, whichever is later. An informal protest process is scheduled to begin April 6, 2026, offering a chance to discuss values with an appraiser. Hearings with the Travis Appraisal Review Board are expected to begin in June 2026 for those who don't accept informal settlement offers. The Travis Central Appraisal District is scheduled to host a webinar on April 7, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. to explain the notices and protest process. **What is the deadline to protest my property appraisal?** Property owners have until May 15, 2026, or 30 days after their appraisal notice is mailed, whichever is later, to file a protest with the Travis Central Appraisal District. **Where can I find more information about the budget?** Central Health's finance department website provides the Fiscal Year 2026 approved budget and tax rate information, including detailed sources and uses summaries.