Williamson County is pleased to share it is the recipient of the Texas Association of Counties (TAC) 2020 County Best Practices Award for its Financial Literacy Program developed by Williamson County Precinct 3 Justice of the Peace Evelyn McLean. Williamson County was one of six Texas counties to be selected to receive this award.  

Judge McLean created the Financial Literacy Program after noticing a pattern among individuals who repeatedly got citations for driving without a license, an invalid license, or without car insurance. The goal is to teach first-time offenders about general spending and budgeting tips that will improve their financial stability and in return help them avoid falling into a cycle of receiving more citations.  

“It is a great privilege to receive this prestigious statewide award from the Texas Association of Counties,” said Judge McLean. “It was certainly a team effort that brought this incredible program to fruition.”  

McLean launched the program in April 2019, in collaboration with Financial Literacy Coalition of Central Texas and a $32,000 grant from Experian. Since its inception, more than 1,237 people have requested to take the financial literacy class, and as of November 10, 2020, 714 cases have been dismissed. 

“Our external partners, Experian and The Financial Literacy Coalition of Central Texas, along with every single person in my office, played a role in making sure the Financial Literacy Program is and continues to be a great success,” added McLean.  

The program’s success has led to its inclusion in other county departments, including Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace and the Williamson County Emerging Adult Program.   

Every other year, TAC's County Best Practices Awards Program recognizes innovations and solutions that increase efficiency, improve operations, or help overcome obstacles county governments face. Innovations, like the Williamson County Financial Literacy Program, help county governments better serve their residents.  

The award was presented during today’s Commissioners Court meeting. 

For more information on TAC’s County Best Practices Awards Program, please click here.