Big decisions made in 2013

Parking garage

After two years of damage assessment and bid applications, county commissioners approved a contract with Restek Inc., a concrete restoration company in Austin, to repair foundation issues in the Williamson County Justice Center parking garage. The $570,495 project is slated to begin in April.

Bond election

Commissioners established a bond advisory committee in April to assess the needs of cities within Williamson County and determine the need for a bond election. Following the committee's recommendation, the county proposed a $275 million road bond and $40 million parks bond election, which voters approved Nov. 5.

Opening of ESOC

On Oct. 11, the county's Emergency Services Operation Center opened at 911 Tracy Chambers Lane in Georgetown. The $12 million building provides office space for emergency management and hazardous materials teams, sheriff's deputies and the Williamson County and Cities Health District's emergency management division.

Top issues for 2014

Road construction

County Judge Dan Gattis said connectivity between cities would be a focus in 2014. North-south corridors, such as Bagdad Road in Leander and Cedar Park, and east-west corridors, such as University Boulevard through Round Rock, will be considered for improvements and expansions. Planning for a Hwy. 29 bypass through Georgetown will also continue.

Medical examiner

County officials continue to study the viability of establishing a medical examiner's office in Williamson County. In December, Gattis commissioned Edward Sherwood, vice dean of the College of Medicine at Texas A&M Health Science Center in Round Rock, to study how the county's autopsy process could be improved. Sherwood's findings should be presented in court at a March meeting.

Taylor events center

A $40 million parks bond passed in November included $10 million to design an events center to be located in Taylor. Planning and designing for the project could begin this year.

Meetings

The court meets at 9:30 a.m. every Tuesday. Williamson County Courthouse, 710 S. Main St., Georgetown, 512-943-1550, www.wilco.org

Terms and compensation

The county judge and four county commissioners serve four-year terms. Each commissioner receives $89,508 per year, and the county judge's annual salary is $109,923.12.

Recordings

The minutes, which list details of previous court meetings, are available at www.wilco.org.