In a short meeting Tuesday, Williamson County Commissioners Court voted to build a new community center in Taylor instead of renovating an old building as previously planned.
The original plan was to improve the former Givens Community Center building, located at 903 E. Walnut St., Taylor, with updates to the heating and air conditioning system, electrical system, bathrooms, and kitchen. But after receiving cost estimates, it was found that costs would exceed allocated funding for the project.
According to documents, the renovation would have cost $500,000, and a new structure would cost about $350,000. The new structure would be 2,250 square feet and be built next to the former Givens Community Center, said Sally Bardwell, Williamson County community development administrator. The new center will be named the Robinson Park Community Center.
The court also voted to transfer the $150,000 from the Bluebonnet Trails Community Services Project, which the court initially voted to go toward the renovation of community center, to fund the new structure.
“I have to say I agree with [this] decision,” Precinct 1 Commissioner Terry Cook said. “When you have too much going on, we’ve been there, done that.”
With the amendment a comment period will open for 30 days. If there are any issues Bardwell said she will bring it back to the court.