City & County Information

Georgetown: A note from Dale Ross, mayor  Dale Ross, Georgetown Mayor[/caption] Home to “The Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas,” Georgetown offers more than 55,000 residents an enviable quality of life with abundant employment, educational and leisure opportunities. As the county seat of Williamson County, one of the fastest-growing counties in the nation, Georgetown continues to experience tremendous growth in both residential and commercial sectors. One major project under construction in Georgetown is a seven-story Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center.  Texas Life-Sciences Collaboration Center continues to actively recruit and build life science and bio-technology companies through its regional hub activities. The city’s prime location enables its citizens to enjoy the city’s many amenities and the charm of a small community while being in close proximity to the Austin business and entertainment scene.   Georgetown officials gather to help break ground on the seven-story Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center in The Summit at the Rivery development Feb. 19.[/caption] City statistics 2013 population: 50,380 2015 population projection (as of August 2015): 55,979 Median age (2013): 43.8 Median annual household income (2013): $63,381 Property tax rate (fiscal year 2015-16): $0.434 per $100 valuation Estimated sales tax collected (fiscal year 2013-14): $20,920,000 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, mayor pro tem John Hesser (2016)—District 3 Steve Fought (2016)—District 4 Ty Gipson (2018)—District 5 Rachael Jonrowe (2017)—District 6 Tommy Gonzalez (2016)—District 7

City & County Information

Williamson County: A note from Dan Gattis, judge  Dan Gattis, Williamson County Judge[/caption] 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 live and work. One of the biggest focuses for the county each year is to balance fiscal responsibility while still meeting the present and future needs of a growing population. Williamson County Commissioners Court prides itself on listening to the needs and wants of its constituents by protecting more green open spaces through our parks programs, providing award-winning emergency services and excellent customer service. Planning for the future involves voter-approved road bond and parks projects, including a new events center to be built in eastern Williamson County. It also includes initiating and promoting water discussions across Central Texas to ensure we have enough of this natural resource for the estimated future growth of Williamson County.   Williamson County Commissioners Court, from left: Lisa Birkman, Precinct 1; Cynthia Long, Precinct 2; County Judge Dan Gattis; Valerie Covey, Precinct 3; Ron Morrison, Precinct 4[/caption] County statistics 2013 population: 441,445 Median age (2013): 34.6 Median annual household income (2013): $71,803 Property tax rate (fiscal year 2015-16): $0.481529 per $100 of valuation County limits: 1,134 square miles Commissioners Court Meets Tuesdays at 9 a.m. 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 an annual salary of $94,037.10. The county judge receives an annual salary of $115,485.10. Recordings Meeting agendas and minutes are available at 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 Ron Morrison: Precinct 4, 2014-18

Transportation

Upcoming projects 1. Southwest Bypass construction The city of Georgetown will build the Southwest Bypass from Leander Road to connect to the future Wolf Ranch Parkway extension that will connect to D.B. Wood Road. The $15.2 million project will help provide a connection from Hwy. 29 to Leander Road. Construction is expected to begin in early 2016 and be completed by summer 2018. Williamson County is working on plans to extend the Southwest Bypass from Leander Road to I-35. 2. Wolf Ranch Parkway extension The Wolf Ranch Parkway extension will connect D.B. Wood Road with the future Southwest Bypass. Construction on the $3.6 million project is scheduled to begin in early 2016 and be completed in summer 2018. 3. FM 1460 expansion Construction to widen FM 1460 to four lanes from Quail Valley Drive in Georgetown to just north of University Boulevard in Round Rock is expected to begin in November. The $38.4 million project also includes adding traffic signals. Construction on the project is expected to be completed in fall 2017. The Texas Department of Transportation will oversee the construction. The project is being funded by the cities of Georgetown and Round Rock, TxDOT, the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization and Williamson County. 4. Hwy. 195 widening The project to widen Hwy. 195 from I-35 to the Bell/Williamson county line was divided into three phases. Phase 1 was completed in October 2014, and Phase 3 from just south of Ronald Reagan Boulevard to I-35 was completed this summer. Phase 2 from 3.4 miles south of Hwy. 138 to south of Ronald Reagan is underway and expected to be completed in fall 2016. TxDOT is managing the construction of the $33.3 million project. 5. Austin Avenue bridges City Council could choose to pursue one of several options to either replace or repair the Austin Avenue bridges or do nothing, Georgetown Transportation Director Ed Polasek said. Engineers have developed two possible conceptual alignments for the proposed reconstruction of the bridges. The city was awarded $1 million from CAMPO for the project, and additional funds could be added. Polasek said the city is also seeking funding from TxDOT’s Off-System Bridge Replacement Program. No construction timelines have been determined. 6. I-35 northbound frontage roads Construction to add northbound I-35 frontage road lanes between Hwy. 29 and SE Inner Loop is expected to be completed in late September 2015. The $19.3 million project will also add a southbound-to-northbound turnaround bridge at Leander Road and four noncontiguous sidewalks from SE Inner Loop to Westinghouse Road. Work also includes adding a driveway connection for St. David’s Georgetown Hospital, which will complete construction to add a second entrance for the hospital. The project was funded by Williamson County road bonds with a pass-through finance agreement with TxDOT.

Education

Georgetown ISD 603 Lakeway Drive 512-943-5000 www.georgetownisd.org Superintendent: Fred Brent Total students: 10,651 Assessment test scores online at communityimpact.com

Real Estate

New communities Many new and existing neighborhoods are actively building in Georgetown, including in the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction, which is the unincorporated land that the city reserves the right to annex. This list of new communities is not comprehensive. 1. Creekside at Georgetown Village Lots: 184 Builder: KB Home 2. Fredrickson Ranch at Lake Georgetown Lots: 70 Builder: Fredrickson Builders 3. Highcrest Meadows Lots: 135 Builder: D.R. Horton 4. La Conterra Lots: 267 (in new phases) Builder: KB Home 5. Lakeside Lots: 116 Builders: Gehan Homes, Wilshire Homes 6. Oaks at San Gabriel Lots: 843 Builders: Ashton Woods, Brohn Homes, Highland Homes, Scott Felder Homes 7. 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 8. Teravista Lots: 1,000 in Georgetown ETJ Builders: Centerra Homes, Chesmar Homes, D.R. Horton, Lennar, MileStone Community Builders, Ryland Homes, Village Builders, Wes Peoples Homes

Parks & Trails

Trails (in brown) 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. New parks (in green)  7. Garey Park In 2004, resident Jack Garey announced he would donate his 525-acre ranch, house and $5 million to the city of Georgetown, and in April 2015, Garey announced he would turn over his property in late 2015 to allow development of the park to move forward. He also announced an additional $5 million donation for construction. The park could include campsites, a dog park and an equestrian center with trails. 8. Westside Park The city of Georgetown hosted a meeting in January 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 and Hwy. 195 in February 2013. Information gathered during the meeting will be incorporated into a master plan for the park.

History

Williamson County Courthouse[/caption] Southwestern University Cullen Building[/caption] 1845 John Berry’s family settles in the area. 1848 The Texas Legislature creates Williamson County and names the county after Robert McAlpin Williamson, a Texas Ranger and San Jacinto veteran. George Washington Glasscock Sr. donates 172 acres to become the county seat, which is named Georgetown in his honor. Jessie Daniel Ames[/caption] 1873 Classes begin at Texas University, which is later named Southwestern University in 1875. 1911 The Williamson County Courthouse opens on the Square. 1918 Jessie Daniel Ames helps mobilize 3,300 women to register to vote at the Williamson County Courthouse. Texas allowed women to vote in the 1918 primary election. 1923 District Attorney Dan Moody successfully prosecutes five members of the Ku Klux Klan. Dan Moody[/caption] 1925 The Palace Theatre is built and remodeled in 1936. 1963 Inner Space Caverns is discovered during core sampling for I-35’s construction. The cave was opened to the public in 1966. 1980 Lake Georgetown is created to control San Gabriel River flooding. 1982 Georgetown becomes a national Main Street city and begins revitalization of the historic Square. 1995 Sun City opens. Southwestern university Football[/caption] 2005 Wolf Ranch Town Center opens. 2013 Southwestern University plays its first football game in 63 years. Georgetown Art Center opens in historic firehouse.

Community Events 

September 2015 Georgetown Wine & Music on the Square Sept. 26 • 4-8 p.m. • Free (admission to vendor area), $25 (admission to tasting area) Sample Texas wines, listen to live music and view art at the eighth annual festival. The Square 512-639-8719 www.thegeorgetownsquare.com  October 2015 Chisholm Trail Days Oct. 16 and 17 • Free The two-day event features children’s activities, live music, living history demonstrations and a cattle drive. San Gabriel Park, 445 E. Morrow St. 512-943-1670 www.williamsonmuseum.org  Boo Bash Oct. 31 • 5-8 p.m. • Free Shop and listen to live music while children trick or treat on the Square. The Square 512-868-8675 www.thegeorgetownsquare.com November 2015 Veterans Day Ceremony Nov. 11 • 11 a.m. • Free Hosted by the Sun City Community Association, the one-hour ceremony honors veterans with a reception to follow. Georgetown-Williamson County Veterans Memorial Plaza, 2 Texas Drive 512-948-7700 www.sctexas.org Ladies Nite Out Nov. 19 • Free Sample food and wine while shopping throughout the Square and benefiting the city’s Main Street Program. The Square 512-930-2027 www.mainstreet.georgetown.org Lighting of the Square[/caption] Lighting of the Square Nov. 27 • 5:30 p.m. • Free Kick off the holidays with the annual event that illuminates downtown. The Square 800-436-8696 www.visit.georgetown.com December 2015 Christmas Stroll Dec. 4 and 5 • Free The annual Christmas event features arts and crafts and food vendors as well as a Whoo-Village children’s area. The Square www.thegeorgetownsquare.com/christmas-stroll.html February 2016 Georgetown Bridal Show Feb. 28 • 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 2016 The Georgetown Swirl March 7 • $45 Sample Texas wines while listening to jazz music and tasting foods from local restaurants during the seventh annual event. The Square 512-930-2027 www.swirl.georgetown.org Eggstravaganza March 19 • 9 a.m. • Free Children are grouped by age to hunt for more than 25,000 eggs. Location TBD 512-930-8459 http://parks.georgetown.org April 2016 The Georgetown Quilt and Stitchery Show April 1 and 2 • 10 a.m.-5 p.m. • $6 The event includes a raffle, a silent auction, scissor sharpening and vendors. Georgetown Community Center, 445 E. Morrow St. 512-869-1812 www.handcraftsunlimited.com  Red Poppy Festival April 22-24 • Free The city celebrates the red wildflowers in Georgetown with the three-day festival featuring concerts as well as 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 2016 Memorial Day Ceremony May 25 • 9:30 a.m. • Free Sun City honors the memory of military service members. Music is provided by the 36th Infantry Division Band of the Texas Army National Guard. Georgetown-Williamson County Veterans Memorial Plaza, 2 Texas Drive 512-948-7731 www.sctexas.org Spring golf tournament Dates TBD • $150 (per person), $600 (per team) The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce hosts the annual tournament at Cowan Creek Golf Club in Sun City. There are awards and door prizes, and the entry fee includes tee time, a golf cart, refreshments, lunch and dinner. Cowan Creek Golf Club, 1433 Cool Spring Way 512-930-3535 www.georgetownchamber.org June 2016 Williamson County Sheriff’s Posse Rodeo June 28 and 29 • 7 p.m. Free (age 5 and younger), $5 (ages 6-12), $12 (general admission) The 73rd annual rodeo features steer wrestling, roping and bull riding. The event also includes a raffle and children’s mutton bustin’. Williamson County Sheriff’s Posse Arena; 415 E. Morrow St. 512-657-8383 www.wcsprodeo.com  July 2016 Sertoma Fourth of July Celebration July 4 • 11 a.m.-10 p.m. • 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. 800-436-8696 www.georgetownsertoma.org Bar-bid-cue auction[/caption] Bar-Bid-Cue fundraiser Date and time TBD • $35 The 35th annual Bar-Bid-Cue Auction, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce’s largest fundraiser of the year, includes dinner, silent and live auctions, and live music. Bidders can purchase tickets for various contests held throughout the night, including a raffle for items donated by local nonprofits. Reunion Ranch, 850 CR 225 512-930-3535 www.barbidcue.com August 2016 Georgetown Sterling Gloves fundraiser Aug. 27 and 28 • 2 p.m. (Fri. and Sat.) • $6 (student general admission), $10 (adult general admission), $10 (student VIP seating), $15 (adult VIP seating) Boxers fight to raise funds to support a local nonprofit. Participants must be licensed boxers and at least 8 years old. Georgetown High School, 2211 N. Austin Ave. 512-887-6201 www.georgetownsterlinggloves.com

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