An interlocal agreement approved Dec. 12 between the city of Georgetown and Williamson County outlines plans for the development of the new county headquarters along Southwestern Boulevard and Southeast Inner Loop.
The gist
The agreement described the county’s commitments for the design and construction of infrastructure related to the project on the roughly 170-acre tract of land southeast of downtown Georgetown—the current home of county services.
“I want to say thank you to [Precinct 4] Commissioner [Valerie] Covey for working with the city to get this accomplished. It's a great agreement for all the parties involved,” Judge Bill Gravell said.
Williamson County has vouched for a $3 million contribution for the planning, design and right-of-way acquisition phases of the Southeast Inner Loop project, according to city documents.
The agreement combines the county’s contribution, right-of-way swaps and roadway designs, which include constructing driveways, turn lanes, traffic signals, utility extensions and drainage improvements.
Plans for the development of the property also entail a negotiation with Atmos Energy for the relocation of a major gas line.
Some context
Williamson County Commissioners Court previously approved plans for the relocation of county services in February, allotting $90 million for a new administration building.
Funding for the project was decided to come from 2021 tax anticipation note funds, with the remaining funding, close to $23 million, to come from future tax anticipation notes.
Tax anticipation notes allow government entities to issue debt and repay with future tax collections.
Looking ahead
Plans for the new Williamson County headquarters indicate a three-story building with parking circling the structure. The county anticipates breaking ground on infrastructure in early 2024.
According to the county staff, the building will house the tax assessor and collection's office -- including a drive-thru window -- county clerk, county judge's office, Commissioners Court courtroom, budget office, public affairs and county auditor.
In previous discussions, commissioners spoke of relocating the justice center and jail house, with plans to connect the two. City documents, however, do not indicate future location plans for the justice center and jail house.
The headquarters property houses the Williamson County Emergency Services Operations Center, Williamson County Children's Advocacy Center, Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter and Williamson County Extension Services.
