Williamson County Commissioners Court update

[caption id="attachment_35810" align="alignnone" width="460"] Photo by Audrey Spencer[/caption] County commissioners County Judge: Dan Gattis 710 Main St., Ste. 101, Georgetown 512-943-1550 Precinct 1: Lisa Birkman 1801 E. Old Settlers Blvd., Ste. 110, Round Rock 512-244-8610 Precinct 2: Cynthia Long 350 Discovery Blvd., Ste. 201, Cedar Park 512-260-4280 Precinct 3: Valerie Covey 3010 Williams Drive, Ste. 153, Georgetown 512-943-3370 Precinct 4: Ron Morrison 350 Exchange Blvd., Ste. 100, Hutto 512-846-1190 Terms and compensation The county judge and four county commissioners serve four-year terms. Each commissioner receives $92,193.24 per year. The county judge is budgeted at $113,220.69, but has opted not to receive increases for several years, so he is only paid a portion of his salary. Meetings The Williamson County Commissioners Court meets at 9:30 a.m. every Tuesday at the Williamson County Courthouse, 710 S. Main St., Georgetown. 512-943-1550. www.wilco.org Big decisions made in 2014

• Events center

Commissioners continue to finalize decisions on the Williamson County Expo Center in Taylor. In June the court approved a master plan that showed $8 million in renovations and improvements to the existing space, including additional seating and a larger arena area. Work on the Expo Center is funded by bonds approved by voters in November 2013.

• Park improvements

As part of the $40 million in park bonds approved in November 2013, Williamson County has worked to improve its trails. Construction will continue into 2015 to add and connect trails, many of which are in the Round Rock area. Additionally, a portion of the bond money was used to help fund the River Ranch County Park update in Georgetown.

• Transportation

The county worked to complete multiple projects on I-35. County Judge Dan Gattis said one of the biggest accomplishments was led by Commissioner Valerie Covey who helped to secure the completion of the widening of Hwy. 195 from Georgetown to Killeen, and Ronald Reagan Boulevard in Georgetown, which was extended north to I-35. Top issues for 2015

• Water

Although the county is currently equipped with enough water to supply residents, Gattis said it is still a major topic to keep discussing. Gattis said the county, cities, municipal utility districts and everyone involved with supplying water has a good dialogue going that should continue. He added that the problem is one that can be solved if everyone works together. Proposed solutions include implementing a grid-like system similar to what is used to supply electricity.

• Office space

Gattis said the court will begin looking for space for Emergency Services equipment and garages for its buses, more space for the sheriffs office and a new location for the Williamson County and Cities Health District, which is operating out of the old historic jail building. He anticipates that the project will cost several million dollars. However, the county has not yet decided when it will begin.

• Transportation

Commissioners will look at the I-35 corridor from Jarrell to Round Rock to determine how it can be improved. Gattis said there will be discussions about how to fund improvements on RM 620 from OConnor Drive to I-35. The construction on RM 620 is part of a two-phase project to improve safety conditions, and construction for the second phase is anticipated to begin in late 2015. The county will also discuss projects already underway such as the redesign of the I-35 intersection at RM 1431.