County information
Dan Gattis, Williamson County Judge[/caption]
Williamson County: A note from Dan Gattis, Williamson County Judge
Williamson County continues to be one of the fastest-growing counties in Texas as well as in the nation. It encompasses more than 1,134 square miles right here in the heart of Central Texas and in recent years has grown into a vibrant community where its citizens can work and live.
For the past decade, we have had to constantly evaluate how to effectively and efficiently meet the needs of our fast-growing population through our county services and infrastructure improvements. We have been able to meet the growing needs through conservative budgeting, which keeps Williamson County affordable as well as exceptional. The Williamson County Commissioners Court prides itself on listening to the needs and wants of its constituents when planning for the future. Recent voter-approved road bond and park projects have been progressing, including a new events center opening in the fall in eastern Williamson County. Commissioners Court has also initiated and promoted water discussions across Central Texas to ensure we have enough of this natural resource for the estimated future growth of Williamson County.
County statistics 2015 population: 508,514 Median age (2014): 35 Median annual household income (2014): $72,118 Property tax rate (fiscal year 2016-17): $0.476529 per $100 valuation County limits: 1,134 square miles
Commissioners Court The court meets Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. at the Williamson County Courthouse, 710 S. Main St., Georgetown. 512-943-1100 • www.wilco.org
Terms and compensation The county judge and county commissioners all serve four-year terms. As of Oct. 1, commissioners receive $95,918. The county judge receives an annual salary of $117,794.82.
Recordings Meeting agendas and minutes are available on the county’s website, www.wilco.org.
Court members and terms Dan Gattis, County judge, 2014-18 Lisa Birkman, Precinct 1, 2012-16 Cynthia Long, Precinct 2, 2014-18 Valerie Covey, Precinct 3, 2012-16 Precinct 4, vacant
Williamson County Commissioners Court, from left: Cynthia Long, Precinct 2; Ron Morrison(deceased), Precinct 4; Lisa Birkman, Precinct 1; County Judge Dan Gattis; Valerie Covey, Precinct 3[/caption]
City information
Dale Ross, Georgetown Mayor[/caption]
Georgetown: A note from Dale Ross, mayor
In May the U.S. Census Bureau named Georgetown the fastest-growing city in the nation among cities of its size. Apparently the secret is out: Georgetown is a great place to raise a family, start a business or retire. As we welcome these new residents, city leaders are responding to the growth while maintaining the lowest property tax rate in the area.
Transportation projects, including the Southwest Bypass and FM 1460, as well as park improvements, such as those at Garey Park and San Gabriel Park, are keys to that response.
Georgetown is a place that preserves our history while innovating for the future. The July opening of the Sheraton Georgetown Texas Hotel and Conference Center puts us in a new category as a tourism destination. And our plan to use 100 percent renewable energy has garnered international attention. We also recognize those qualities that define our character as a community, and as the first Purple Heart City in Texas, we thank our veterans.
City statistics 2015 population: 63,716 Median age (2014 estimate): 44.8 Median annual household income (2014): $62,219 Property tax rate (fiscal year 2016-17): $0.424 per $100 valuation Estimated sales tax collected (fiscal year 2014-15): $11,296,645 City limits: 51.98 square miles
City Council The council meets at 6 p.m. the second and fourth Tuesday of every month at Council Chambers, 101. E. Seventh St. 512-931-7715 • www.georgetown.org
Terms and compensation The mayor is elected at-large, and council members are elected to single-member districts. The mayor and council members serve three-year terms with no term limits. Council members earn $800 a month, and the mayor receives $1,150 a month.
Recordings Council meetings are broadcast live on GTV (Suddenlink channel 10) and streamed live at www.georgetown.com/gtv.
Council members and term expiration dates Dale Ross (2017)—mayor Anna Eby (2018)—District 1 Keith Brainard (2017)—District 2 John Hesser (2019)—District 3 Steve Fought (2019)—District 4, mayor pro tem Ty Gipson (2018)—District 5 Rachael Jonrowe (2017)—District 6 Tommy Gonzalez (2019)—District 7
Georgetown City Council, from left: Tommy Gonzalez, District 7; Ty Gipson, District 5; Anna Eby, District 1; Mayor Dale Ross; Rachael Jonrowe, District 6; John Hesser, District 3; Steve Fought, District 4; Keith Brainard, District 2[/caption]
What makes Georgetown great?
From educational and recreational opportunities to shopping, dining and the arts, Georgetown has a variety of ways for locals to get out and enjoy the town. Here’s what locals said makes Georgetown great.
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Transportation
Upcoming projects
1. Southwest Bypass and Wolf Ranch Parkway construction The city of Georgetown is building the Southwest Bypass and Wolf Ranch Parkway extension, which will connect Hwy. 29 at D.B. Wood Road to Leander Road. Georgetown voters approved funding for the $18.3 million project as part of a $105 million road bond in May 2015. Construction on the project began in June 2016 and could be completed by mid-2018.
2. Mays Street extension The city of Georgetown broke ground on a project to extend Mays Street from Teravista Parkway and Bass Pro Drive in Round Rock to the intersection of Westinghouse and Rabbit Hill roads in Georgetown in late August. City Council approved the nearly $6.4 million construction contract at its Aug. 9 meeting. Construction could be completed in summer 2017. The city of Round Rock is funding a portion of the project. Georgetown’s plans will connect with Williamson County’s plans to extend Mays north from Paloma Drive in Round Rock. Once both sections are completed, Oakmont is expected to be renamed as Mays Street to create a continuous roadway from Hesters Crossing Road in Round Rock to Westinghouse in Georgetown. The roadway is expected to help economic development in the area.
3. FM 971 at Austin Avenue improvements Construction to realign and make improvements to the intersection of FM 971 and Austin Avenue was expected to begin this fall; however, the city is still in discussions with TxDOT for construction agreements, Georgetown Transportation Services Director Ed Polasek said. The $4 million project is expected to align the intersection with the planned Northwest Boulevard bridge, which will span I-35. The FM 971 intersection improvements will also include a pedestrian tunnel along the east side of Austin Avenue. In March 2015 the city completed improvements in San Gabriel Park near the intersection to make room for the roadway improvements. TxDOT will complete the construction. A timeline for the project, which is being funded through the city’s 2008 road bond, has not been set.
FM 1460 expansion[/caption]
4. FM 1460 expansion Construction to widen FM 1460 from Quail Valley Drive in Georgetown to just north of University Boulevard in Round Rock is expected to be completed in fall 2017. The project also includes signal and bridge improvements and is overseen by the Texas Department of Transportation. The $34.7 million project is being funded by the cities of Georgetown and Round Rock as well as TxDOT, the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization and Williamson County.
5. FM 972 Phase 1 improvements TxDOT is rehabilitating pavement, adding shoulders and improving safety along FM 972 from I-35 to Hwy. 95. The project is divided into phases. The first, between I-35 and just west of CR 150, could be completed in spring 2017. The second phase from just west of CR 150 to Opossum Creek could be bid on in June. The final phase from Opossum Creek to Hwy. 95 could be bid on in September 2019.
6. Austin Avenue bridges The city of Georgetown has asked the public to give feedback on repairs to the Austin Avenue bridge structures that span the North and South San Gabriel rivers. City Council could decide whether to repair or replace the structures in winter 2016-17, Georgetown Transportation Analyst Nat Waggoner said. Construction timelines and cost estimates have not been determined.
Education
Georgetown ISD 603 Lakeway Drive 512-943-5000 www.georgetownisd.org
Superintendent: Fred Brent 2015-16 total students: 11,250 Assessment test scores available online at communityimpact.com
Key dates Dec. 19-Jan. 2: winter break March 13-17: spring break May 25: last day of school
Real Estate
La Conterra[/caption]
New communities
1. Deer Haven
Lots: 71
Builder: Drees Custom Homes
2. Fredrickson Ranch at Lake Georgetown Lots: 70 Builder: Fredrickson Builders
3. La Conterra Lots: 159 (in new phases) Builder: KB Home
4. Lakeside Lots: 300 Builders: Gehan Homes, Wilshire Homes
5. Oaks at San Gabriel Lots: 843 Builders: Ashton Woods, Brohn Homes, Highland Homes, Scott Felder Homes
6. Rancho Sienna Lots: 1,455 Builders: Castlerock Communities, Centerra Homes, Chesmar Homes, D.R. Horton, Emerald Homes, Partners in Building, Ryland Homes, Sitterle Homes, Wes Peoples Homes
7. Saddlecreek Lots: 427 in Phase 1 Builders: Century Communities, Pacesetter Homes
8. Teravista Lots: 1,000 in Georgetown ETJ Builders: CalAtlantic Homes, Centerra Homes, Chesmar Homes, D.R. Horton, Lennar, MileStone Community Builders, Perry Homes Ryland Homes, Village Builders, Wes Peoples Homes
9. Water Oak at San Gabriel Lots: 3,000 Builders: Chesmar Homes, Grand Haven Homes, Scott Felder Homes, Wilshire Homes
10. Wolf Ranch Georgetown Lots: 1,688 Builders: Coventry Homes, David Weekley Homes, Drees Custom Homes, M/I Homes, Wilshire Homes
This list of communities building new homes is not comprehensive.
Parks & Trails
Trails
1. North San Gabriel River sidewalk This 1-mile lighted concrete section of the Randy Morrow Trail connects San Gabriel Park to Rivery Park.
2. Pickett Trail This half-mile trail connects Chautauqua Park and Blue Hole Park.
3. Randy Morrow Trail Named for the former parks and recreation department director, this 5.5-mile trail starts at Booty’s Road Park and connects several city parks, including Chandler Park and Rivery Park, before ending in San Gabriel Park.
4. San Gabriel Park Trail This 1.6-mile granite trail loops around San Gabriel Park.
5. South San Gabriel River sidewalk This 1-mile lighted concrete section of the Bonner Trail begins at W.L. Walden Drive and College Street and connects to Blue Hole Park.
6. Winfred H. Bonner Trail This 1-mile trail follows the San Gabriel River from Blue Hole Park to VFW Park and continues to the McMaster Athletic Complex.
Upcoming parks
7. Garey Park In 2015, Jack Garey announced he would turn over his 525-acre ranch, house and $10 million to the city of Georgetown after announcing plans in 2004 to donate the property to the city upon his death. Construction on the park, which will include campsites, a dog park and an equestrian center with trails as well as a playground and splashpad, is expected to begin in late 2016.
8. Westside Park The city of Georgetown hosted meetings in early 2015 to gauge what features residents would like to be included in a new 90-acre Westside Park. The city purchased the property near Shell Road and Hwy. 195 in February 2013. The information was incorporated into a master plan, which was presented to City Council in early 2016. A timeline for construction has not been determined.
Community Events
The Georgetown Swirl[/caption]
OCTOBER
Table on Main Oct. 2 • 6-9 p.m. • $140 The event showcases downtown restaurants and brings participants a five-course “flight” featuring food and wine from local vendors. 700 block of Main Street 512-930-2707 • www.mainstreet.georgetown.org/play/table-on-main
Boo Bash Oct. 30 • 5-8 p.m. • Free Shop and listen to live music while children trick or treat. The Square 512-868-8675 • www.thegeorgetownsquare.com
NOVEMBER
Veterans Day ceremony Nov. 11 • 11 a.m. • Free The one-hour ceremony honors veterans and is followed by a reception. Georgetown-Williamson County Veterans Memorial Plaza, 2 Texas Drive 512-948-7700 • www.sctexas.org
Lighting of the Square Nov. 25 • 5:30 p.m. • Free Kick off the holidays with the annual event that illuminates downtown. The Square 800-436-2027 • www.mainstreet.georgetown.org
DECEMBER
Christmas Stroll Dec. 2, 5-9 p.m.; Dec. 3, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. • Free The annual event features arts and crafts and food vendors as well as a Whoo-Village children’s area. The Square 512-868-8675 • www.thegeorgetownsquare.com
FEBRUARY 2017
Georgetown Bridal Show Feb. 26 • 11 a.m.-3 p.m. • Free The event features vendors, prizes, fashion shows and seminars. East View High School, 4490 E. University Ave. 512-930-3535 • www.georgetownbridalshow.com
MARCH
The Georgetown Swirl March 4 • 6-9 p.m. • $45 (Dec. 1-31), $50 (general admission after Jan. 1), $125 (VIP ticket) Sample Texas wines while listening to jazz music and tasting foods from local restaurants during the event. The Square 512-930-2027 • www.swirl.georgetown.org
APRIL
Red Poppy Festival April 28-30 • Free The city celebrates the red wildflowers in Georgetown with the festival featuring live music, arts and crafts booths, and a parade. The event also features a street dance on Saturday night. The Square 800-436-8696 • www.redpoppyfest.com
MAY
Spring Fling Girls Night Out May 5 • 5-8 p.m. • Free Sample food and wine while shopping throughout downtown Georgetown. The annual event benefits local businesses. The Square 512-868-8675 • www.thegeorgetownsquare.com
Memorial Day ceremony May 29 • 9:30 a.m. • Free Sun City honors the memory of military service members. Georgetown-Williamson County Veterans Memorial Plaza, 2 Texas Drive 512-948-7731 • www.sctexas.org
Georgetown Chamber of Commerce spring golf tournament Date, time and cost TBD The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual tournament. The event features awards and door prizes, and the entry fee includes a tee time, golf cart, refreshments, lunch and dinner. Location TBD 512-930-3535 • www.georgetownchamber.org
JUNE
Williamson County Sheriff’s Posse Rodeo June 23-24 • 7 p.m. • Free (age 5 and younger), $5 (ages 6-12), $12 (general admission) The annual event rodeo also includes a raffle, live music and children’s mutton bustin’. Williamson County Sheriff’s Posse Arena, 415 E. Morrow St. 512-534-6398 • ww.wcsprodeo.com
JULY
Sertoma Fourth of July Celebration July 4 • Time TBD • Free More than 50,000 visitors gather for the annual fireworks display in San Gabriel Park. There is a petting zoo, a parade, live entertainment and vendor booths. San Gabriel Park, 445 E. Morrow St. www.gtxsertoma.org
Bar-Bid-Cue fundraiser July 28 • Time and cost TBD The event includes dinner, silent and live auctions, and live music to raise funds for the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce. Location TBD 512-930-3535 • www.barbidcue.com
