Interest rates have fallen, and the Williamson County Commissioners Court is once again taking advantage of market conditions to refinance road bond debt at a lower interest rate.  The Court authorized County Auditor David Flores to refinance $132 million in road bonds over the next twelve months.  The County is anticipating a net interest rate of 2.45% for a savings of $9.4 million over the time of the debt.

Music fans and animal lovers will unite for two musical showcases to benefit the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter.  Critical Sun Recordings is heading from Seattle to South by Southwest 2012 and will be performing in Austin and Georgetown to raise funds for the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter.  A $10 admission donation for these events will benefit the shelter.

Mike Fox, director of Williamson County Fleet Division, retired on January 31 after 18 years of service to Williamson County.  Randy Rodgers, who has served as the assistant Fleet Manager for the past three years, has been appointed to serve as the interim division director of the Fleet Division in the Department of Infrastructure.  Rick Bolton, a senior service technician in the Fleet Division, received certification to become an Electronic Diesel Engine Diagnosis Specialist by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

On January 31, the Williamson County Commissioners Court unanimously agreed to send a letter to US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) opposing efforts to declare an emergency to list the Jollyville Plateau salamander as an endangered species as requested by the Save Our Springs Alliance and the Center for Biological Diversity.  These groups requested that the USFWS consider an emergency listing of the species as endangered due to the ongoing construction of the City of Austin’s Water Treatment Plant 4.    Several known locations of the Jollyville Plateau salamander are located in the southwestern portion of Williamson County.  An emergency listing would affect every location where the species is found.

A Fire Weather Watch is in effect Sunday for Williamson County according to the National Weather Service in Austin/San Antonio.  Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly.  Although Williamson County currently is not under a burn ban, outdoor burning is not recommended on Sunday due to these weather conditions.  For updated weather warnings, visit http://www.nws.noaa.gov/.

Registration for spring softball leagues in Williamson County is currently open through January 30.  League play begins on Monday, February 20, at the Southwest Williamson County Regional Park in Leander, and at the Cedar Park Athletic Complex fields.

The Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter is planning a special Valentine’s “Pawty” and promotion for pet adoptions during the week of February 12 to 18.

The Williamson County Tax Assessor/Collector’s office reminds property owners that Tuesday January 31st, 2012, is the state mandated deadline to pay 2011 property taxes.

On January 11, the Williamson County Conservation Foundation (WCCF) Board of Directors approved funding for enhanced studies of the Georgetown and Jollyville Plateau salamanders.  Requests for Proposals to conduct research will be posted and evaluation of proposals and contract awards will be made soon. U.S. Fish and Wildlife (FWS) is considering listing these species as endangered under a August 2011 lawsuit agreement which included the salamanders in a list of 251 species nationwide.

Williamson County Emergency Medical Services will be conducting a car seat safety event by appointment for area residents on Thursday, January 19, 2012, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.  The safety seat check will take place at the Leander Central Fire Station located at 201 Brushy Street North.  Children will need to be with a parent or other adult caregiver during the inspection.

All Williamson County offices will be closed on Monday, January 16, 2012, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

No restrictions are currently in place for the use of fireworks in Williamson County.  Officials recommend strict adherence to fireworks safety precautions and recommended guidelines for their use.

Williamson County will celebrate the opening of its new propane fueling station with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, January 5, at 10:30 a.m.  The station is located at the J.B. & Hallie Jester Williamson County Annex at 1781 E. Old Settlers Blvd., Round Rock, Texas.

Williamson County received top honors in the 2011 GovFresh Awards.  The County won top honors in Best Use of Social Media in the Emergency Management category, along with runner up for overall Best Use of Social Media as well as runner up for Public Servant of the Year entries.  

The Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter is making plans to give dogs some room to roam while awaiting adoption.  The shelter is raising funds to construct a dog run, trail and memorial park behind the shelter.  Plans include two large play yards, a memorial garden and a walking path so volunteers and potential adopters can take dogs outside, walk them, and play with them in the yard.  The Williamson County Commissioners Court allocated property for the project yesterday during their regular meeting. 

The Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter is holding another ‘Neiman Barkus’ sale for last minute Christmas shoppers on Friday, December 23, from 12 to 5 p.m. and Saturday, December 24, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.  The sale will be held at the shelter in conjunction with the shelter’s ongoing Iams® Home 4 the Holidays® Adoption Drive through January 3, 2012.

Williamson County and Waste Management today announced the Williamson County Landfill will provide free Christmas tree recycling for Williamson County residents from Monday, December 26, through Saturday, January 7.   When bringing trees to the landfill for free recycling into mulch, residents are also invited by the County and Waste Management to continue the holiday spirit by donating canned goods and other non-perishable items to the Hutto Food Pantry. 

For the 20th year, the Williamson County Auditor’s Office was awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR) for Fiscal Year 2010.  It also was the sixth year the county received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence for their popular annual financial report (PAFR). 

Randy Bell was appointed director of parks and recreation for Williamson County by the Commissioners Court on Tuesday.  Mr. Bell was serving as the interim director of parks and recreation, and he joined Williamson County in June of 2010 as the assistant parks director.

Williamson County Judge Dan A. Gattis has been reelected Vice Chairman of Policy of the Texas Conference of Urban Counties.  As Vice Chairman, Judge Gattis will serve on the Urban Counties Board of Directors, which is responsible for directing the business of the Association, and he will play a meaningful role in providing leadership on legislative and policy issues for the 37 member counties of the Texas Conference of Urban Counties.

Williamson County Commissioners Court approved funding this week for a new roadway named King of Kings Crossing to connect Smyers Lane to the northeast edge of the HEB parking lot, which is located at O’Connor Drive and RR 620.  The project will increase safety and mobility in that area by providing access to Smyers Lane and Wyoming Springs Drive.

On Tuesday, December 13, 2011, the Williamson County Commissioners Court lifted the burn ban for Williamson County.

On Thursday, December 8, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., contractors will be installing two new signal poles at the intersection of O’Connor Drive and RM 620 to accommodate the new O’Connor Drive extension.

On Tuesday, December 6, the Williamson County Commissioners Court lifted the burn ban for one week, until Tuesday, December 13, 2011,  with certain restrictions placed for safe conditions to prevail.

The Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter is planning a special ‘Neiman Barkus’ sale on Saturday, December 10, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.  The sale will be held in conjunction with the shelter’s ongoing Iams® Home 4 the Holidays® Adoption Drive through January 3, 2012.

Williamson County continues to be under a burn ban. According to the Texas Forest Service, the Ketch-Byrum Drought Index (KBDI) for Williamson County is 629, even after the recent rains. During the summer months and into the fall, Williamson County has remained drier than many of the neighboring counties. Williamson County Officials continue to monitor the situation and will consult with the Williamson County Fire Chief's Association and the Texas Forest Service to determine when conditions are favorable to suspend the burn ban.

The Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter is offering a “Black Friday” Adoption Special!  All black or predominately black cats and dogs are FREE to adopt on Friday, November 25.  The shelter will be open from 12 to 6 p.m. 

Williamson County hosts several annual events to celebrate the Christmas season.  It officially starts the day after Thanksgiving with the annual Lighting of the Courthouse Square event on Friday, November 25.  There are also photos with Santa, pet photos with Santa, open houses and more!

Santa rides into Wolf Ranch Town Center, IH-35 and SH 29 in Georgetown, on Saturday, November 26, to light the Christmas tree and take photos with all of his friends!  The event includes music and refreshments 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Christmas tree by the fireplace.  Santa will be available for photos after lighting the tree at 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.  Toy donations now are being accepted at county buildings.  Applications only will be accepted in person.  See more for locations.

Williamson County and Waste Management today announced the Williamson County Landfill and Hutto Recycling Center have announced their holiday closings.

The Williamson County Tax Assessor/Collector’s  Office will partner with Texas Department of Motor Vehicles to pilot a program which offers remote locations for vehicle registration renewals in addition to the Tax Assessor/Collector’s Offices to provide more convenient options to customers.

The Williamson County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Tactical Medic Team had the opportunity to compete at the National Police SWAT competition on October 18 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The two Williamson County tactical medics, Commander Kevin Krienke and Lieutenant Dan Ketchum, took first place in the interior rescue scenario.

Celebrate the holiday season on the day after Thanksgiving at the annual Lighting of the Square event on Friday, November 25.  The event will be held on the east steps of the historic Williamson County Courthouse, 710 S. Main Street, in downtown Georgetown.

Williamson County received a AAA bond rating from both Fitch Ratings and Standard & Poor’s.  Williamson County was able to take advantage of its excellent rating to refinance debt for a lower interest rate.  The County sold $10 million pass-through financing bonds at an interest rate of 3.45%.  The County also sold $36.565 million in refunding bonds at an interest rate of 2.46%.  The County’s gross savings was $2,670,000, more than the original projection of saving $2 million.

Williamson County offices will be closed for Veterans Day on Friday, November 11, 2011.  The Williamson County Veterans Services Department would like to make the public aware of several events planned throughout the county to celebrate veterans. 

Today, Nov. 9, at 1 pm Central, the federal government will test the Emergency Alert System,  The test will occur on all radio and broadcast, cable, and satellite TV systems and will last thirty seconds.  It is important that the public be made aware of the test so that the 9-1-1 system is not flooded with calls, forcing 9-1-1 centers to divert resources away from actual emergencies.

 

The Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter is offering reduced pet adoptions through the Iams “Home 4 the Holidays” Adoption Drive.  The program, which runs from October 1, 2011 through January 3, 2012, has a goal of 760 adoptions from the shelter during the campaign.  The shelter will be closed on Thanksgiving, November 24.  The shelter will close at 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve, December 24, and be closed Christmas Day, December 25.  The shelter also will close New Year’s Eve, December 31, at 4 p.m. and be closed New Year’s Day, January 1. 

Williamson County Juvenile Services Department in coordination with the Williamson County Mental Health Task force hosted the first ever Williamson County Mental Health in Schools conference at the Juvenile Justice Center in Georgetown last week.  The conference, titled “Creativity in Times of Crisis: Aligning Our Efforts to Improve Student Success”, focused on coordinating efforts among school districts, community organizations, and agencies to strengthen the county-wide continuum of care for students with mental health needs. 

The office of Precinct 4 Constable Marty Ruble will be moving from its current location in Taylor at 2501 Mallard Lane to the Williamson County Taylor Annex, 412 Vance Street.  The office will be closed on Monday, November 7, and Tuesday, November 8, for the move and will reopen at the new location on Wednesday, November 9.  The Constable will be switching offices with the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office East Side Command located on the second floor of the annex.  The Sheriff’s Office will be moving to the Constable’s former office on Mallard Lane.

The Texas Supreme Court feels some court records are of such historical significance that they must be preserved for interpreting the history of Texas.  Williamson County’s own Ku Klux Klan trials, from 1923 to 1934, are some of the records the Texas Court Records Preservation Task Force, formed by the Supreme Court of Texas in 2009, plans to protect under their first preservation project.  Williamson County is proud of its notoriety of holding the first successful conviction of Ku Klux Klan members that resulted in jail time for the accused.  The State of Texas agrees that this trial is worthy of having its records preserved for future generations to examine and review.

The Office of Justice of the Peace Steve Benton, Precinct 3, will be closed from Tuesday, November 1, through Thursday, November 3, for court personnel training.  Normal business hours will resume on Friday, November 4, 2011, at 8 a.m.

Williamson County is hosting a Centennial Celebration for the Historic Courthouse on the Square as it turns 100 years old this year!  The celebration will be Saturday, November 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the courthouse, 710 S. Main Street, Georgetown.  The celebration will focus on the diverse heritage and culture of the county, as well as celebrating others who are turning or have turned 100.  Entertainment includes the Round Rock Symphony Orchestra, Round Rock Ballet Folklorico, Taylor Czech Chorus and a Zumba demonstration on the courthouse steps!  A birthday ceremony will be held at 1 p.m.

The Institute of Certified Administrators (ICTA) is proud to announce that Cathy Atkinson of the Williamson County Tax Assessor/Collector’s Office was awarded the professional designation of CTA (Certified Tax Administrator) and membership in The Institute of Certified Administrators (ICTA).

The Williamson County Commissioners Court today extended the burn ban for 90 days.  The burn includes prohibiting smoking in Williamson County owned parks, preserves and trails due to the extreme drought conditions and high fire danger.  Outdoor cooking is allowed as long as it is done in an enclosure that serves to contain all flames and/or sparks.  The order also allows welding, cutting and grinding operations or hot works operations when they comply with specific fire safety guidelines. 

The Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter is planning a special Howl-O-Ween party and promotion for on site pet adoptions on Friday, October 28, from 6 to 10 p.m.  

October is Adopt-A- Dog Month and the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter (WCRAS) in conjunction with the American Humane Association focuses on this month to pay tribute to all things canine in hopes of getting more homeless dogs into forever homes.  WCRAS is an ideal place to find dogs of all types, size, age and personality -- all waiting for a loving home. This month, the shelter offers reduced adoption fees of only $25 for adult dogs and $50 for puppies.

Williamson County is hosting a Centennial Celebration for the Historic Courthouse on the Square as it turns 100 years old this year!  The celebration will be Saturday, November 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the courthouse, 710 S. Main Street, Georgetown. 

More than 200 volunteers from the community came together last week to finish the Heroes Night Out (HNO) Green Zone Resource Center, envisioned as a one-stop-shop to address the needs of military veterans and their families.  Located in Cedar Park on the campus of Twin Lakes Church, the Green Zone Resource Center will provide Veterans access to representatives providing services in a positive environment.  The grand opening is October 14 at 1 p.m.

Property tax statements will be delivered during the week of October 17th, 2011, according to Williamson County Tax Assessor/Collector Deborah M. Hunt.  The County Tax Assessor/Collector’s office sends out tax bills on behalf of most of the taxing entities.  Duplicate statements are not mailed to property owners who have their taxes escrowed by their lender. 

The Williamson County Commissioners Court approved names for two land tracts that the county purchased several years ago for future park use.  The land was purchased with park bonds approved by voters in 2006.  Both parks will be natured based, and development will be modeled after state parks - with activities such as fishing, hiking, camping, and nature study.

Administrative offices for the Williamson County Parks and Recreation Department will be moving to their new location at the Southwest Williamson County Regional Park. The park is located at 3005 C.R. 175 just north of FM 1431.    Park administrative offices will be closed on Friday October 14, for the move.

Jennifer Bolton, court administrator for the 425th District Court in Williamson County, was awarded the 2011 Member of the Year award from the Texas Association for Court Administration.

Williamson County Emergency Medical Services will be conducting a car seat safety event by appointment for area residents on Thursday, October 27, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.  The safety seat check, sponsored by Texans In Motion at Scott & White Healthcare, will take place in the parking garage of the St. David’s Georgetown Hospital located on 2000 Scenic Drive.

Williamson County Treasurer Vivian Wood gave the oath of office to her four deputy clerks yesterday to comply with new legislation.  Under SB 373 that was passed by the Texas State Legislature this past session, assistant treasurers or treasury deputies must take and subscribe the official oath to be recorded in the county clerk’s office.  The new law includes new surety bonding requirements for county treasurers and their employees. 

To celebrate the Courthouse Centennial, the Williamson Museum is offering a commemorative Christmas ornament.  The three dimensional, gold ornament depicts the historic courthouse and is available for $25.  The ornament is available online at www.williamsonmuseum.org and click on “Gift Shop” or at the Williamson Museum, 716 S. Austin Avenue, Georgetown.

Williamson County Commissioners Lisa Birkman and Valerie Covey will host an Open House on Monday, Oct. 24th, 2011, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Brushy Creek Community Center, 16318 Great Oaks Drive, Round Rock, TX. This will be a come and go event with no formal presentations.

The Williamson County Commissioners Court approved the new map redrawing the county’s elections (voting) precincts.  The new map can be viewed at www.wilco.org/redistricting.

Prepare to be scared at Williamson County Brown Santa’s Nightmare on Jail Hill, a haunted house held in the old jail.  The event will be held two weekends on October 21 and 22 and October 28 and 29 from 7 to 11 p.m.  The price is $10/adults and $5/9-12 years. 

To provide some financial relief to Leander residents who lost their homes to recent wildfires, Williamson County and Waste Management are offering reduced fees at the Williamson County Landfill for the next 30 days.  Williamson County and Waste Management are collectively reducing fees by 40 percent for individuals who lost their homes to wildfires in Leander.

Williamson County now has available the new proposal for redrawing the county’s elections (voting) precincts following the adoption of the new commissioner, justice of the peace and constable precinct lines in the July.  The proposed precincts are available for the public to review and provide comments by September 23, 2011, by 5 p.m. at www.wilco.org/redistricting.  The Commissioners Court will review all comments and approve a final draft of the election precincts lines on September 27, 2011.

Precinct Two Justice of the Peace Edna Staudt’s office will be closed to the public on Mondays.  The office has historically been open only mornings on Mondays, but is closing all day due to software conversion process. 

Waste Management and Williamson County are partnering to host a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day on Saturday, October 29, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the East Williamson County Event Center, 3344 FM 397 (Carlos Parker Blvd) in Taylor.  Click here for lists of accepted and not accepted items, as well as guidelines for the collection.

Williamson County has been added to the list of counties eligible to receive federal funds to help people recover from the wildfires that began August 30, 2011.  The Federal Disaster Declaration is for individual assistance to people who suffered a loss due to wildfires.  Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs.

The Williamson County Commissioners Court today amended the burn ban that was adopted July 19, 2011, to include prohibiting smoking in Williamson County owned parks, preserves and trails due to the extreme drought conditions and high fire danger.  Outdoor cooking is allowed as long as it is done in an enclosure that serves to contain all flames and/or sparks.  The order also allows welding, cutting and grinding operations or hot works operations when they comply with specific fire safety guidelines.  The burn ban is in effect until October 17, 2011. 

Emancipet is bringing their mobile spay/neuter clinic to the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter on Friday, October 14, 2011, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m..  Emancipet offers a chance to get your cat or dog "fixed" at a reduced cost.
Space is limited, so make your appointment now! Please go to www.emancipet.org to schedule your pet.  

County Judge Dan A. Gattis has terminated the Declaration of Disaster for Williamson County on September 9, 2011.  In doing so, the Burn Ban Order, which was adopted on July 19, 2011, by the Commissioners Court, will go back into effect.  A copy of the order can be found here.

Williamson County Emergency Communications officials have received a large number of calls due to smoke and haze in the air from the fires surrounding the central Texas area.  Officials ask residents to please do not call 911 unless you see smoke or flames coming from a structure or brush.

To help the animals in the Bastrop fire area, the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter will be collecting food and other pet supplies to take down there Thursday afternoon. Food, cat litter, crates, toys, etc can be dropped off at the Regional Shelter, 1855 S.E. Inner Loop in Georgetown, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday.  Supplies also can be left at the door after hours.

County Judge Dan A. Gattis signed a new Declaration of Disaster for Williamson County on September 6, 2011.  This order prohibits all outdoor burning including outdoor cooking.  It does not prohibit outdoor welding when following specific requirements outlined in the declaration.  A copy of the declaration can be found here.

The Leander Fire Department is reporting that ten homes were destroyed and nine damaged in the Moonglow fire.  The cause of the fire is still under investigation.  Tuesday morning, the fire department has been suppressing flare ups in the fire area. 

The fire in Leander off Moonglow is 70% contained but not controlled according to the Leander Fire Department.  They will let residents of Mason Creek into their homes Monday night.  They will not allow residents of Mason Creek North or High Chapparal into their homes until Tuesday morning around 10 a.m.  Pedernales Electric Cooperative is working to restore power to the west side of Crystal Falls Parkway and should have that done Monday night.  Preliminary reports indicate the fire has burned approximately 300 acres and destroyed 13 homes.  Residents can go to Rouse High School, 1501 CR 271, Leander, for information or call Texas 211 for updates on when they can return home.

County Judge Dan A. Gattis has issued a Declaration of Disaster for Williamson County on September 5, 2011, as the county is under imminent threat of widespread or severe damage, injury, or loss of life or property resulting from extraordinary drought conditions, critical weather and wildfire conditions, and the imminent threat of wildfire.  A copy of the declaration can be found here.  This prohibits all outdoor burning including grilling and welding.  A copy of the Burn Ban Order can be viewed here.

Gov. Rick Perry has appointed seven members to the Juvenile Justice Services and Facilities Transition Team for terms to expire at the pleasure of the governor, including David “Scott” Matthew, chief juvenile probation officer of Williamson County Juvenile Services, and a municipal judge for the Cities of Jarrell and Granger.

A new system that standardizes and simplifies registration fees for nearly every vehicle owner in Texas begins September 1, 2011.   Currently, Texas has 1,745 fee categories for registration. That number is being reduced to nine weight classifications. The simplified structure makes it easier for Texans to know what they owe, and reduces administrative costs for the state, counties and private businesses.

Williamson County Emergency Medical Services and Taylor ISD Family Services will be conducting a car seat safety event by appointment for area residents on Thursday, September 22, from 1:00p.m to 3:30p.m in the parking lot of the Church of Latter-day Saints located at 2800 North Drive, Taylor, TX.

Williamson County offices will be closed on Monday, September 5, 2011, for the Labor Day holiday.  County offices will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, September 6, 2011.

August 30, the Williamson County Commissioners Court adopted a 2011 tax rate of .487687.  This tax rate is lower than the current tax rate by .002312.  Due to a slight increase in the average taxable value of a home, the lower tax rate will keep property taxes the same for the average home owner. 

Williamson County Precinct 3 Constable Bobby Gutierrez was honored August 23 at a graduation ceremony for the 2010-2011 Leadership Class of the Texas Association of Counties (TAC) Leadership Program.

National Public Lands Day is Saturday, September 24.  In Williamson County, the Williamson County Parks and Recreation Department, along with REI, Round Rock, will be conducting trail maintenance and restoration of the Jim Rodgers Trail at the Williamson County Southwest Regional Park.

The Williamson County Historic Courthouse on the Square turns 100 years old this year!  Williamson County will host a birthday bash on Saturday, November 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the courthouse, 710 S. Main Street, Georgetown.   People, businesses and organizations in Williamson County celebrating 100 years in 2011 or before can be part of the event. 

The public is invited to attend an open house from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, August 18, to preview the new Williamson County Veterans Services Office Georgetown location.

Williamson County Emergency Medical Services will be conducting a car safety seat inspection in Georgetown on Thursday, August 25, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Celebrate the last weekend before the start of school watching "Back to the Future" on the courthouse lawn on Friday, August 19, as part of the Courthouse Centennial Celebration!  Spread out a blanket or bring your lawn chair and snacks to the east side of the historic Williamson County Courthouse, 710 S. Main Street, in Georgetown for a movie under the stars.

Saturday, August 20, 2011, is National Homeless Pet Day.  In recognition of this event, the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter is offering applicants no cost adoptions for all dogs and cats on Saturday, August 20, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Animal behaviorists and veterinarians will be on site during the adoption event to lend their assistance to interested families. 

The Williamson County Commissioners Court will hold a public hearing to adopt the county budget on August 30, at 9:30 a.m. in the Williamson County Historic Courthouse, 710 S. Main Street, Georgetown, in the Commissioners Courtroom on the second floor.  In order to discuss, inquire, analyze and vote on items pertinent to budget adoption, the Commissioners Court will have three scheduled and posted Budget Modification Voting Sessions in that same location.  The sessions are scheduled on Monday, August 22, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday, August 23, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and on Wednesday, August 24, from 9 a.m. to 12 pm. 

Williamson County Justice of the Peace Courts in Precincts One, Two and Three will be closed at the end of August as the courts’ staff members receive training on and transfer over to new software.  Citations with original due dates between August 22 and September 6 will be extended until September 30, 2011. 

The Williamson County and Cities Health District is partnering with the Round Rock Express and the Cedar Park Regional Medical Center to offer low cost immunizations to children in Williamson County that are uninsured or underinsured.  The cost is $10.00 per child no matter how many vaccinations are needed but no one will be turned away for an inability to pay.  Cash or checks only will be accepted.

Williamson County is seeking qualified bow hunters for weekend, two-day hunts on county-owned park land.  The hunts will be conducted from October 1, 2011 through December 18, 2011, excluding Thanksgiving weekend.  Registration begins August 10, 2011, at 8 a.m. at the Williamson County Parks and Recreation Office, 350 Discovery Boulevard, Suite 207, in Cedar Park. 

In honor of National Suicide Prevention Week (September 4 - 10, 2011), Williamson County will host a ceremony on Tuesday, September 6, at 9 a.m. on the south steps of the historic courthouse, 710 S. Main Street, Georgetown.  The ceremony will raise awareness of the issue of suicide in our community and highlight the resources available that could prevent suicides from occurring.

Enjoy an old fashioned ice cream social on Friday, June 17, as part of the Courthouse Centennial Celebration! From 6 to 8 p.m., join us on the south side of the historic Williamson County Courthouse, 710 S. Main Street, in Georgetown for Blue Bell ice cream and old-time summer fun on the Square including family friendly activities.

The Williamson County Commissioners Court approved extending the burn ban for another 30 days for all of Williamson County beginning May 24, 2011. A person violates this order if he burns any combustible material outside of an enclosure which serves to contain all flames and/or sparks, or orders such burning by others. The burn ban prohibits the burning of household yard waste, such as leaves, grass, brush and other yard trimmings. It also prohibits burning to clear land of trees, stumps, shrubbery, or other natural vegetation. This order may be enforced by any duly-commissioned peace officer.

Judge Judy Schier Hobbs, Williamson County Justice of the Peace in Precinct 4, was named the 2010 Judge of the Year by the Central Texas Justices of the Peace and Constables Association (CTJPCA). The honor was bestowed upon Judge Hobbs during the Association’s annual conference held recently in Round Rock.

Williamson County has grown 69 percent in the past decade according to the 2010 Census. This increase in population means that Williamson County must redraw its precinct boundaries. Public comment is being collected on the proposed new precinct boundary lines from May 24 to June 21.

Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter (WCRAS) in conjunction with Georgetown Animal Outreach will be hosting a pet adopt-a-thon at the Georgetown, Texas facilities on Saturday, May 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Bark-n-Purr Fest is the largest pet adoption event in Central Texas.

The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has announced that Williamson County, Texas, has received the GFOA’s Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its budget. The award represents a significant achievement by Williamson County. It reflects the commitment of the governing body and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting.