Big decisions made in 2015
Certificate of obligation bonds
The commissioners issued $65 million in bonds in May, which have been used for constructing, improving and renovating facilities as well as purchasing land and equipping county buildings. The county dedicated funds to expand offices within the Georgetown Annex. Funds were also used for a training facility for the Sheriff’s Office, training space for hazardous materials and emergency medical services, office space for EMS, and the radio shop for vehicle and hand-held radios as well as vehicle and facilities storage.
Transportation
The county broke ground on a project to widen FM 1620 between Round Rock and Georgetown as part of the $275 million in road bonds approved by county voters in 2013. Design work is underway for the widening of CR 110 from Hwy. 79 to north of Chandler Road in Taylor and for CR 111 from FM 1460 to SH 130 in Georgetown. Those projects are meant to improve safety and mobility in the area.
Top issues for 2016
Water
County Judge Dan Gattis said a top issue for 2016 will be to focus on water needs in the county. The commissioners heard a presentation requesting $50,000 for a water study in November, and Gattis said he and Commissioner Valerie Covey have moved forward on a study to determine how much water the county has.
Security
According to a memo from the governor’s office issued in October, licensed concealed handgun carriers cannot be prevented from entering multipurpose government buildings as part of a new law that went into effect Sept. 1. Unless an entire building is dedicated to court proceedings or government meetings, the memo states a state agency or political subdivision cannot deny CHL carriers entry to a government building. Gattis said the Williamson County courthouse will have to find a temporary solution to put in place in early 2016 while working on a long-term solution.
Meetings
The court meets Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. Williamson County Courthouse, 710 S. Main St., Georgetown. 512-943-1550.
www.wilco.org
Terms and compensation
The county judge and four county commissioners serve four-year terms. Each commissioner receives $94,037.10 per year. The county judge is budgeted $115,485.10 but has opted not to receive increases for several years, so he is only paid a portion of his salary.
Video coverage
Recordings of meetings can be found at
www.wilco.org.
