In this edition, learn about the approved county budget and tax rate, learn how to sign up for emergency alerts and read about Labor Day weekend adoption specials at the animal shelter.

Williamson County and the City of Georgetown celebrated the start of construction for the final segment of the Southwest Bypass with a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday. The project will extend the two-lane Southwest Bypass from Wolf Ranch Parkway to State Highway 29 and will also provide 1.2 miles of shared-use-path (SUP) along the extended road. The project is anticipated to be completed in the summer of 2023.

The Williamson County Commissioners Court appointed Will Ward to serve as the first County Court at Law No. 5 Judge. Mr. Ward currently works as a felony prosecutor in the Williamson County District Attorney’s Office. He previously worked in the Brazos County District Attorney’s Office and interned with the Lubbock County District Attorney’s Office. He is a graduate of Texas Tech University Law School and the Virginia Military Institute. 

On August 30, 2002, the Williamson County Commissioners Court unanimously approved the fiscal year 2022-2023 county budget and set the county tax rate. The total county tax rate for tax year 2022 is $0.375608 and is six and a half cents less than the county’s current total tax rate. This rate will decrease property taxes on the average homestead residence by approximately $100 next year. The total county budget is comprised of the General Fund, Road and Bridge Fund and Debt Service Fund. The total county budget for October 2022 through September 2023 is $505,381,808. 

Williamson County offices will be closed on Monday, September 5, in observance of Labor Day.  County offices will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, September 6. The Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter will be open regular business hours, noon to 6 p.m., on Labor Day. Williamson County’s Quarry Splash Pad will be open on Labor Day and then close for the year.