The Williamson County Courthouse will remain behind scaffolding through early spring. Work is being done as part of a repointing project began Jan. 5, which will remove deteriorated mortar from the walls and replace it. "Its going to take about a month on each side so they'll do the south side first," Williamson County Judge Dan Gattis said. "Probably well end up on the north side after it gets a little warmer." As the scaffolding is moved, each door will be temporarily locked while repairs are being done, but the handicapped entrance will remain open throughout the project. The repairs will cost $650,000 and are necessary because weather conditions and moisture cause the mortar to crack over time. These cracks can allow water to enter the structure and cause damage, according to the county. "We are very grateful for our partnership with this contractor," Senior Director of Infrastructure Bob Daigh said. "They could have started in the Thanksgiving to Christmas shopping season, but we worked with them to defer until after the holidays for the businesses in Georgetown." Sunbelt Building Services of Wylie, Texas was hired as the contractor for the project.Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. of Austin is the project engineer.