Retiring Travis County Judge Samuel T. Biscoe cites county growth and complexity as concerns during tenure on Commissioners Court

Photo courtesy Judge Samuel T. Biscoe

Following 25 years on the dais of the Travis County Commissioners Court, Judge Samuel T. Biscoe is set to retire Dec. 31.

He took over from former Judge Bill Aleshire as presiding officer of the Commissioners Court on Dec. 1, 1998.

Biscoe said the county's increased population growth and major development accounts for the majority of changes he encountered while in office.

"The issues are probably the same but the facts are more complicated and the politics are more decisive," he said of the end of his tenure.

The increase in commercial and residential building in the county's unincorporated areas resulted in a greater need for government services, Biscoe said.

Biscoe said will use his retirement to read books, play golf and make more trips to visit family in East Texas. His mother will celebrate her 94th birthday on Dec. 22, he said.

Former Precinct 2 Commissioner Sarah Eckhardt will replace Biscoe as judge beginning Jan. 1.