The Williamson County Commissioners Court unanimously approved the total county budget of $394,690,355.64. That is a slight increase of .00214 percent over last year’s adopted budget of $393,843,886.
The Commissioners Court also adopted a total tax rate for tax year 2020 of $0.458719 per $100 of valuation. The total tax rate is comprised of the General Fund, Road and Bridge Fund, and Debt Service Fund tax rates. That rate is the same as the County’s current total tax rate. This represents an increase of $10 for the year for the average valued home.
The FY21 General Fund budget is $222,981,680.00. In this budget, the Commissioners Court strategically moved six positions from one department to another based upon need while not increasing the total number of employees from the previous year.
The FY 21 Road and Bridge Fund budget is $44,862,760.64. As in previous years, this budget includes $5 million towards funding the County’s long-range transportation plan.
The Commissioners Court approved a law enforcement and corrections step pay increase of 2% and allocated 2% to go towards merit earned, lump sum payments for civilian employees.
“During these unprecedented times, we took a very conservative approach with our budget and did not add to our total number of employees. County employees have served on the front lines during the pandemic response, and I am grateful for them. Non-law enforcement employees are eligible for a lump sum merit increase based upon performance,” said County Judge Bill Gravell.
“I want to thank the County department heads, elected officials, and employees who worked with us to develop a lean budget that meets the needs of our County but is mindful of the unique time we find ourselves in,” said Precinct 2 Commissioner Cynthia Long.
The FY 21 Debt Service Fund budget is $126,845,915 and includes $25 million to pay down debt early.
“The Commissioners Court has made paying down debt a priority as part of our annual budget process. Over 20 years, Williamson County has saved more than $135.6 million in interest through its efforts to pay off debt early and refinancing,” said Precinct 3 Commissioner Valerie Covey.
“The tax rate for 2021 is the result of all of the departments in Williamson County government really stepping back and working through each of their individual budgets to identify those items they must have or maintain, then limiting their asks to those. It was a team effort in these very trying times. I’m so proud of everyone,” said Precinct 1 Commissioner Terry Cook.
Williamson County will end the fiscal year with an estimated $99.9 million in uncommitted general fund cash reserves and $20.8 million in Road and Bridge fund uncommitted cash reserves according to Williamson County First Assistant County Auditor Julie Kiley.
“Taxpayer money is precious, and as a Commissioner, setting the budget is one of the most important things we do. It is how we set our priorities. Considering the pandemic and the uncertain economy, this budget focuses on maintaining the efficiency and effectiveness of the County,” said Precinct 4 Commissioner Russ Boles.
The adopted FY 2021 budget is available for residents to review on the Budget Office website, under the section titled “Budget Overview”. The link is www.wilco.org/Departments/Budget-Office/Budget-Overview. A hard copy of the recommended budget can be accessed at the County Clerk’s Office in the Justice Center located at 405 Martin Luther King Jr. Street, in Georgetown.