Due to the drought conditions and current Burn Ban in effect in Williamson County, County Judge Bill Gravell and the fireworks industry have worked together to limit the sale of two types of fireworks products this July Fourth holiday. Stick rockets and missiles with fins or rudders will not be sold. Most jurisdictions have city ordinances prohibiting the use of fireworks within or near the city limits. An interactive county map with the fireworks-free buffer zone area is available at this link https://gis.wilco.org/maps/?viewer=countymap. Fireworks sales begin on Friday, June 24.

The Williamson County Commissioners Court has issued a county-wide burn ban for a period not to exceed 90 days due to severe drought conditions, above-average heat, low humidity, low fuel moistures and high winds that are creating dangerous wildfire conditions that would be exacerbated by outdoor burning. The order can be lifted by the County Judge if conditions improve. For additional restrictions, requirements and details relating to the Order Prohibiting Outdoor Burning, the Order may be viewed here.   

Williamson County Attorney Dee Hobbs is overseeing a lawsuit filed today seeking to prevent the City of Austin from using the former Candlewood Suites hotel on Pecan Park in Williamson County to house homeless individuals.  The lawsuit seeks a temporary restraining order and a temporary and permanent injunction against the nonprofit created by the city, AHFC Pecan Park PSH, which would stop them from creating homeless housing at the location in violation of restrictions for the intended use of that property. 

Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell has issued an Order Declaring a Local State of Disaster for Williamson County. The Order prohibits outdoor burning in all of the unincorporated areas of Williamson County and smoking in and/or on Williamson County parks, preserves and trails due to dry vegetation, wind and imminent threat of severe damage. The order is in effect for a period not to exceed seven days and can be lifted by the County Judge if conditions improve. For additional restrictions, requirements and details relating to the Order Prohibiting Outdoor Burning, the Order may be viewed here.

All Williamson County Tax Offices will be closed to the public on Wednesday, June 15, to allow staff to focus on the significant backlog of mailed-in transactions.  All Tax Offices will reopen at 8 a.m. on Thursday, June 16.  Registration renewals can be performed at all Williamson County HEB and AAA locations. For answers to many questions regarding property taxes or motor vehicle transactions, visit the Tax Assessor-Collector’s website at www.wilco.org/taxoffice or call 512-943-1601.