Updated: 9:29 p.m. CST



With all Williamson County polling locations reporting, Dale Ross has unofficially defeated opponent Marlene McMichael in the race to become Georgetown's new mayor with 55.2 percent of votes cast.



Ross received 2,615 votes, while McMichael received 2,122 votes.



Ross, a certified public accountant and president and founder of L. Dale Ross CPA, previously served as District 6 councilman from 2008–11.



"Growth is certainly one of the major issues, and what we need to do—and this is key—we need to guide and manage that growth in order to preserve the unique charm of this place we call home," he said, adding that the city has to maintain its tax rate and public safety services as well as ensure a sustainable water supply and update its comprehensive transportation plan.



Ross said before the election that he and McMichael had similar views on the issues in Georgetown and that the election came down to experience.



"In order to lead this great city of ours, you have to understand it. The way you understand it is by having deep roots here," he said. "I have my business here, I've been involved in Georgetown government before, involved in the nonprofit world. If you work here, live here and are involved here, that gives you a good deep understanding."