County commissoners work toward acquiring new downtown real estate

County commissoners work toward acquiring new downtown real estate

By Mary Tuma Tuesday, 26 January 2010

TRAVIS COUNTY — During executive session last week, Travis County commissioners voted to purchase a downtown building for general governmental use that could possibly house the Commissioners Court, as part of the central campus master plan. Its location at 700 Lavaca St. and proximity to other city buildings attracted county staff to the 15-story, 315,000-sq.-ft. space that's two blocks away from the county courthouse.

On Tuesday, Jan. 26, the commissioners formed a subcommittee comprised of County Judge Sam Biscoe and Commissioner Karen Huber to follow up on the 90-day due diligence period, which will evaluate structural soundness and other infrastructure features before final purchasing.

The building price is estimated at $61.2 million and would be paid for through homestead tax increases, said Rodney Rhoades, executive manager of planning and budget.

After the increases, average homeowners would pay $10.36 a year, or 86 cents a month, and Del Valle ISD residents would pay $4.97 a year, or 41 cents a month. Rhoades estimated the annual debt service amount at $4 million–$4.5 million.