by Wilco's Public Information Office

In this edition of the WILCOunty Line learn about office closures and operation changes at some County offices, find out how to get updated COVID-19 information, and where residents can get COVID-19 testing in the County. 

Williamson County’s Wilco Forward Small Business Grant Program issued 3,662 checks for a total of more than $34.2 million. The financial boost helped thousands of small businesses that were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The County Auditor’s Office received a total of 4,194 applications from May 6, to June 30. A majority of the 466 applications that were denied were duplicates. The Auditor’s Office is still reviewing 66 more applications. While the amount issued per grant depended on whether the business was fully or partially closed starting March 2020, the average grant was $9,350.54. Both for-profit and non-profit businesses headquartered and located in Williamson County were eligible to apply. The deadline to apply for a grant was June 30. The program was made possible thanks to CARES Act Funds the County received from the federal government. Out of $93 million, $35 million was allocated for Wilco Forward, the remainder of the money will be utilized in phases. 

A sample of mosquitoes collected from a trap near the Southwest Williamson County Regional Park located in area of FM 1431 and CR 175 has tested positive for West Nile Virus. The testing is part of the Williamson County and Cities Health District’s (WCCHD) mosquito management program. This species has a flight range of about one mile. ​There have been no reported human cases of West Nile Virus in Williamson County since 2017. West Nile Virus should not be confused with other mosquito-borne viruses.  ​There has been no evidence of mosquitoes transmitting COVID-19. For more information, go to the WCCHD website at www.wcchd.org or visit the Texas Department of State Health Services West Nile website at www.txwestnile.org. For questions, email wcchd-info@wilco.org. 

Starting July 13, the Justice of the Peace Precinct 2 Office (JP2) will be open to the public for walk-in business on Tuesdays only from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The office hours are being reduced in response to more people conducting business using remote methods and fewer people choosing in-person transactions due to COVID-19. The JP2 Office, located at 350 Discovery Boulevard in Cedar Park, can be reached by phone, e-mail, fax, postal mail, e-file, website, using the drop box in the hallway, and by appointments Monday through Friday.