Announcements

Media Release is from the Wilco Public Information Office.

Williamson County Tax Assessor/Collector, Larry Gaddes, reminds property owners that 2021 property taxes must be paid in full by January 31 to avoid the accrual of penalty and interest.

The most common payment options include: 

· Mail payments to 904 S. Main St., Georgetown, TX, 78626.

· Payments made by check can be placed in any of our exterior drop boxes located at each office.

· Payments can be made by searching for your property online at www.wilco.org/propertytax. Credit cards and e-checks are accepted but incur additional vendor fees.

· In-person at any location, make an appointment at www.wilco.org/taxoffice/appointment.

For a full list of payment choices go to http://www.wilco.org/propertytax   and click on PAYMENT OPTIONS. 

Column by Commissioner Cook

This stint of cold weather has brought with it lots of media stories and projections concerning a possible repeat of last year's deadly winter freeze in Texas and the possibility and warnings to get ready. Well, are you?

Not only a bout with seriously low temps again, but what about flooding or sweeping grass fires? I watched on Dec. 30 the live coverage of Boulder (Colorado) County’s fire as it swept through the area of my former home, which still is standing while homes in front of it and behind it were reduced to ash. This fire was burning a football field-size area and all its contents in seconds with the hurricane-force wind gusts of 115 mph. All but one person was able to evacuate, but everything they possessed is gone for thousands of families, including many pets.

Central Texas leads the nation in the variety and the frequency of natural disasters: tornadoes, flooding (remember 2015 in Taylor?), hailstorms, fires (usually caused by humans), and droughts (we're just in serious drought – thank goodness for some, but not enough, rain on Jan. 11). That 2021 winter storm was a new experience and caught many of us off guard and unprepared.

Offered by Western Governors University (WGU)

As we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, WGU challenges everyone to realize their dreams. The I Have a Dream Scholarship is for those who have always dreamed of completing their college degrees and advancing their careers but faced challenges that prevented them from moving forward.

This scholarship aligns with the university’s mission to increase equity in access and attainment within underserved learner populations. 

“I Have a Dream” implies the courage to dream beyond what one thought was possible, the resilience to get up and try again, and the commitment to change one’s legacy for the better by earning a degree from Western Governors University with minimal financial barriers.

Please click on the link I Have a Dream Scholarship Details or go to https://www.wgu.edu/ for details.

Take them to the landfill and recycling is free of charge.

Starting December 26, Williamson County residents can dispose of their Christmas trees for free by dropping them off at the Williamson County Landfill, located at 600 Landfill Road in Hutto.

Residents have until January 21, 2022, to recycle their trees at the landfill. Before taking a tree to the landfill, residents are asked to remove all lights and ornaments. Flocked trees are not accepted for recycling.

The landfill will be closed on  New Year’s Day.

For more information, please call 512-759-8881.

Media Release is from the Wilco Public Information Office.

Some people may like to ring in the New Year with the bang of fireworks, but most jurisdictions have city ordinances prohibiting the use of fireworks within or near the city limits.  If you are unsure of the ordinances, it is always safer to check with the city or local fire department prior to the purchase or discharge of fireworks. In addition, Williamson County provides a map that shows the areas where fireworks are permitted and prohibited by ordinance in the county. Go to http://www.wilco.org/GIS and click the County Map.

There is not a fireworks ban or burn ban in place for unincorporated areas of Williamson County; however, fireworks are not permitted in Williamson County parks.

Consumer fireworks can be dangerous when used improperly, causing serious burns and eye injuries.  Always check with your local fire department/district for recommendations or suggested precautions to follow before deciding to use them; then, follow these safety tips from the Williamson County Fire Marshal Special Operations Division.

Before you shoot:

1. DO NOT LET YOUR CHILDREN BUY FIREWORKS WITHOUT ADULT SUPERVISION
2. Only buy from reliable fireworks sellers
3. Never experiment or attempt to make your own fireworks
4. Store fireworks in a cool, dry place
5. Find a smooth, flat surface, away from the house or other buildings, dry leaves or grass
6. Be sure to have water handy in case of a malfunction or fire
7. ALWAYS HAVE ADULT SUPERVISION