Williamson County Parks and Recreation Department is pleased to announce the hiring of Robert Moss as the new manager who will lead operations at River Ranch County Park. Moss’s first day on the job is Friday, July 24.  

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 is celebrating the opening of the Brushy Creek Regional Trail Phase V located in Precinct 1. This .9 mile segment of the trail starts near the shore of Brushy Creek at the northwest corner of the Creekside Plaza Shopping Center in Round Rock, located at Chisholm Trail and Round Rock Avenue. To watch an entertaining video created for the trail's ribbon cutting, click here.

A follow-up sampling of mosquitoes taken at two expanded traps near the Southwest Williamson County Regional Park tested positive for West Nile Virus. The Williamson County and Cities Health District (WCCHD) set up two expanded trap sites following last week’s positive mosquito sample. Both of the expanded traps came up with positive test results, while the original trap tested negative. No other samples were found to be positive from routine trapping this week as part of the WCCHD Integrated Vector Management program. Health officials strongly encourage everyone to remain vigilant about protecting themselves from mosquito bites and preventing mosquito breeding on their personal property. Please eliminate all standing water around your house or on your property. Mosquitoes cannot breed without standing water. Residents should treat ponds, rain barrels, or other stagnant water that can’t be drained with a larvicide. Please apply the treatment based on its labeled use. These products can be found at local home improvement stores.