The Williamson County Commissioners Court approved the county's 2012–13 budget and tax rates during its meeting Aug. 28.

A total budget of $216.3 million was approved, which includes $129.4 million in the general fund, $18.7 million in the road and bridge fund and $68.2 million in the debt service fund.

"We will have to balance the budget using our cash reserve, and we'll need to use $5.8 million from the combined three reserves," Budget Officer Ashlie Blaylock said.

The budget includes a 3 percent raise for elected officials and a 4 percent merit raise for county employees. County Judge Dan Gattis told the court that not all employees will receive a raise, though some could see a bump of up to 5 percent.

Following budget considerations, county taxes were set at 48.9029 cents per $100 of property valuation. The rate's breakdown includes 28.1529 cents for maintenance and operations, 4 cents for road and bridge funds, and 16.75 cents for debt service. The rate is predicted to bring in more than $210 million in revenue .

"The numbers were actually a littler higher than anticipated previously," Blaylock said.