Central Health’s Board Approves “Year of Access” Budget, Sets Public Hearing for Sept. 3

AUSTIN, Texas — The Central Health Board of Managers approved the Fiscal Year 2026 budget and tax rate during a board meeting on Wednesday night. The proposal now advances to a public hearing on Wednesday, Sept. 3, for community input.

Central Health’s FY 2026 budget focuses on efficiency, accountability, and financial sustainability as part of its “Year of Access.” Among its priorities, the plan calls for reducing duplication across the system, increasing non-tax revenue, and measuring community trust in new ways.

The FY 2026 budget marks the first time Central Health, CommUnityCare Health Centers, and Sendero Health Plans–collectively known as the Central Health system–is planning collectively with shared priorities, goals, and accountability.

“Our budget ultimately reflects our values, care, equity, and partnership,” said Dr. Pat Lee, Central Health president & CEO. “Our impact is only possible because of our many system partners, our collaborations with the county and the city, and the network of community organizations who share this mission. Together, we are building a healthy, more equitable Travis County.”

Key Growth Priorities in the FY 2026 Budget

• Cutting system duplication by 50% through vendor consolidation, shared services, and streamlined contracts.
• Launching a Community Support Index to track public engagement and measure trust.
• Increase non-tax revenue by 2% from grants, philanthropy, and Medicaid reimbursements.

Why It Matters

Growth and the budget are about more than balancing numbers. By cutting waste and finding new revenue sources, Central Health is ensuring every dollar collected goes farther for patients. For taxpayers, this means greater efficiency and long-term financial stability for the hospital district. For patients, it means more money for expanded coverage and services that meet people where they are.

The proposed tax rate is 11.8023¢ per $100 of assessed value, about $64 more per year for the average homestead, or roughly 5% of the total property tax bill, the lowest share of any major Texas hospital district.

Public Hearing Scheduled for Sept. 3

The Central Health Board of Managers will hold a public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 tax rate. Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to attend and provide comments. Following the hearing, the Board will consider the budget for approval before it advances to the Travis County Commissioners Court for consideration on Sept. 16.

• 6 p.m.
• Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025
• Central Health Administrative Offices
• 1111 East Cesar Chavez St., Austin, TX 78702

The public hearing will be accessible by video conference for those who are not attending in person, by using the meeting link and password below:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81722581407?pwd=0lQhQudBxFIwSbwMxUbGVgDW4aXwaC.1

Meeting ID: 817 2258 1407

Passcode: 338917

You can sign up for public comment here: https://www.centralhealth.net/meeting-sign-up/

You can read more about the FY 2026 Budget here: https://www.centralhealth.net/get-involved-fiscal-year-2026-budget/

You can view the FY 2026 financials here: https://www.centralhealth.net/about-central-health/finance/