On Tuesday, August 4, the Williamson County Commissioners Court unanimously approved a proposed maximum total tax rate not to exceed $0.458719. This is the same as the county’s current total tax rate.  The proposed maximum total tax rate is comprised of the General Fund, Road and Bridge Fund, and Debt Service Fund tax rates. A public hearing will be held on August 25, at 10:15 a.m., to allow county residents to express their opinions before the final tax rate for tax year 2020 is adopted.  

A sampling of mosquitoes taken at a trap near the Southwest Williamson County Regional Park tested positive for West Nile Virus. This is the second time this trap has had mosquitoes test positive for West Nile Virus in the past three weeks. The Williamson County and Cities Health District (WCCHD) set up two expanded trap sites near the park, and both of the expanded traps came up with negative test results at this time. No other samples were found to be positive from routine trapping this week as part of the WCCHD Integrated Vector Management program. Williamson County will adjust hours for park visitors at the Southwest Williamson County Regional Park to prevent exposure to mosquitoes when they are most active. Starting July 28, the park will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Today, the Williamson County Commissioners Court approved agreements for Wilco Forward Phase III to provide rent and utility assistance to residents that are in need through partnerships with local non-profits. Terms of agreement were approved between Williamson County and The Caring Place, The Salvation Army, and the Round Rock Serving Center. Phase III is funded with $5 million from a combination of Community Development Block Grant funds and the approximately $93 million the County received in federal CARES Act funds. 

On July 21, the Williamson County Commissioners Court approved the implementation of an Order Prohibiting Outdoor Burning in the unincorporated areas of Williamson County to commence on Wednesday, July 22, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. and continuing for a period not to exceed 30 days and to authorize County Judge Bill Gravell to lift the ban if conditions improve during the effective period of the burn ban.  A person violates this order if they burn any combustible material outside of an enclosure which serves to contain all flames and/or sparks, or orders such burning by others. The burn ban prohibits the burning of household yard waste, such as leaves, grass, brush and other yard trimmings.  It also prohibits burning to clear land of trees, stumps, shrubbery, or other natural vegetation.  This order may be enforced by any duly-commissioned peace officer.  It is a Class C Misdemeanor that is punishable by a fine up to $500.  For additional restrictions, requirements and details relating to the Order Prohibiting Outdoor Burning, the Order may be viewed here.    

Williamson County and Family Emergency Room announced an improved contract to provide better COVID-19 testing services.  Testing is available for all.  The charges for COVID-19 tests are currently covered by most insurance companies, and Family Emergency Room will bill the patient's insurance company at no cost to the patient.  Tests for any Williamson County resident without insurance will be paid for by the county.  The renewed partnership is a continuation of hard work between the two entities to make testing more accessible.  For more information on a PCR (nasal swab test) and the Antibody Test, or to schedule a test appointment, please go to the following link: https://familyhospitalsystems.com/covid-19/.