Announcements

Keeping your home safe!

June was declared National Safety Month by the National Safety Council in 1996 to make strides in reducing the leading causes of unintentional injury and death at work, on the road, and in homes and communities. Every year local entities, organizations, and non-profits use June as a time to educate communities about different safety-related topics. The Williamson County Fire Marshal’s Office is taking advantage of this time to share the following safety tips to help identify risks and hazards at home. With people spending more time at home these days, now is the time to ensure your home is the safest it can be!

Oped by Commissioner Cook published in the National Association of Counties Organization's County News

By Terry Cook   Jun. 9, 2020

NACo County News

The public health emergency caused by COVID-19 has impacted daily life across the country and around the world. In Williamson County, Texas, our justice system responded to the coronavirus through innovation, ingenuity and a commitment to service.

Our courts in Williamson County have long embraced technology, but the disaster declaration accelerated the pace of innovation.  On March 13, the Texas Supreme Court and Court of Criminal Appeals ordered all hearings be held remotely. 

Under the leadership of local Administrative Judges Betsy Lambeth of the 425th District Court and John McMaster, County Court-at-Law Four, emergency plans ensuring that the justice system continued to function during the pandemic were activated.

The first step was to identify critical functions, including child protection hearings, temporary restraining orders and protective orders. Probable cause hearings (magistration) that must occur within 24-48 hours from the time of arrest were also identified as critical.

If a probable cause is found, the magistrate determines whether to set a personal bond and orders bond conditions and other statutory conditions. The magistrate also determines if there are any mental health issues and orders an evaluation if necessary, which is conducted by our local mental health authority through telemedicine.

Next, the judges assembled a team to determine how operations could be modified to achieve their goal. Our judges, clerks, court staff, IT personnel, sheriff and juvenile services together adjusted operational plans and assessed technological options to ensure essential functions continued, and the public had access to justice. 

Our IT Department provided judges with Microsoft Teams, the very popular Zoom, WebEx and CourtCall as options to hold court proceedings. 

Court staff created detailed written procedures for hearing participants. Judges and attorneys provided feedback as this process unfolded.

The Williamson County Wilco Forward Small Business Grant Program has issued 3,509 grants as of Monday, June 29, totaling more than $33.2 million. Small business owners who have not submitted an application for a grant through the Wilco Forward program have until 11:59 p.m. on June 30, 2020, to do so. Phase 1 targeted helping local small businesses through the creation of the Wilco Forward grant program with $35 million allocated to the cause. As part of Phase 2, the Williamson County Commissioners Court allotted $20 million to reimburse  Williamson County cities for COVID-19 related expenses. Additionally, $1 million was allocated to the Williamson County and Cities Health District for their COVID-19 expenses. Also included was $500,000 for Emergency Services Districts (ESD) and $500,000 for Bluebonnet Trails Community Services for COVID-19 related expenses. On June 23, $5 million was allocated for Phase III going toward community services that focus on rent or mortgage assistance and utility assistance. For details on eligibility and more on the Wilco Forward program visit https://www.wilco.org/forward. 

The Williamson County Justice of the Peace Court Precinct 3 (JP3) office has been working on innovative ways to offer its services to the public amid the COVID-19 pandemic. To help reduce the spread of the virus while also taking into consideration the safety and health of residents and County employees, JP3 will begin to offer curbside services on Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at 100 Wilco Way, Georgetown, starting June 9, 2020. Customers will be able to drive up and make a credit or debit card payment without having to come into the building. In addition to making payments, residents also can drop off paperwork, such as driver's safety paperwork and community service hours. This service is offered in addition to their regular office hours at 100 Wilco Way, Georgetown.  

Williamson County and Family Emergency Room are once again accepting applications for people to be tested for COVID-19. Priority will be given to people who currently are exhibiting symptoms. Asymptomatic individuals, who are not displaying symptoms but have been exposed to COVID-19, also can request a test; however, they may be asked to wait until a testing time is available. All Williamson County residents wanting a COVID-19 test must first fill out the online assessment tool at https://forms.wilco.org/forms/COVID19Testing.