Williamson County, Texas

The Williamson County Commissioners Court adopted budgets and tax rates for next fiscal year. The overall county tax rate adopted was $.459029 per $100 valuation which is a three-quarters of a cent reduction from last year’s total tax rate. The total county budget for FY 2018-2019 funds 47 new full-time employees including 18 Sheriff’s Office employees with eight law enforcement deputies, seven corrections personnel, two school resource officers for Round Rock ISD and a financial manager.  It also funds eight call takers for Emergency Communications, five employees for Road and Bridge, and four employees for the District Attorney’s Office. 

The Commissioners Court set a proposed maximum tax rate of $.466529 which is the current county tax rate. Because the proposed maximum tax rate is above the effective tax rate of $0.446403, two public hearings are scheduled for August 14 and 21, at 10 a.m. in the Commissioners Courtroom, 710 S. Main Street, Georgetown. The public is invited and can address the court regarding the proposed tax rate. To view the tax rate notice, click here. 

It's summer when everyone wants to spend time outdoors; however, itchy mosquito bites may be a problem in your neighborhood. The Williamson County and Cities Health District has tips to help you enjoy your summer in the great outdoors. Don’t cook up a breeding ground for mosquitoes - follow the 3Ds to keep mosquitoes away:

•    Drain: Empty standing water containers at least once per week
•    Dress: Wear long sleeves, long pants, and light-colored, loose-fitting clothing
•    Defend: Properly apply an EPA registered repellent such as DEET, picaridin, or IR 3535

The dogs of the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter have moved to a temporary shelter in the old Georgetown Livestock Show Barn located in San Gabriel Park at 425 E Morrow Street. The show barn, nicknamed the "Canine Corral," has an adoption lobby, adoption kennels, an intake area for lost dogs and owner surrenders (by appointment), and an area for animal health technicians to care for the dogs. The Canine Corral is open the same hours as the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter Monday through Friday from noon to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. To view adoptable dogs, click here. 

Feeling stressed, depressed, or tired? The natural environment may be the best medicine. Studies suggest the natural environment improves mental health conditions by alleviating stress, depression, and fatigue. It also supports attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Alzheimer’s and improves cognitive function. The Williamson County Parks Department fully understands that natural open spaces are necessary for mental, as well as physical health and wellness. With more than 27 miles of trails through the county’s parks, trails and preserve system, there are many options to not only improve mental health, but also enjoy a refreshing walk, run or bike ride for National Trails Day on Saturday, June 2!