Florence

Justin Gibson is the co-owner of Florence Marketplace.

Justin Gibson is the co-owner of Florence Marketplace.

Vintage shop Florence Marketplace offers customers something new

Florence Marketplace is a vintage store selling antiques and gifts in downtown Florence. Co-owned by Justin Gibson, the space is designed using a three pronged approach. The “Modern Mercantile” area sells giftable items like cosmetics, jewelry, candles, t-shirts and other drygoods.
Williamson County Elections Commission votes to approve elections administrator Chris Davis resignation at August 9 meeting. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Williamson County Elections Commission votes to approve elections administrator Chris Davis resignation at August 9 meeting. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Elections Administrator Chris Davis resigned from Wilco

The Williamson County Election Commission accepted the resignation of Williamson County Elections Administrator Chris Davis effective immediately at the August 9 meeting. Starting at 9:30 in the morning, the commission entered into executive session for a private hearing for the employee.
Williamson County Budget Officer Ashlie Holladay presents the Proposed 2024 fiscal year budget during the August 8 commissioners' court meeting. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Williamson County Budget Officer Ashlie Holladay presents the Proposed 2024 fiscal year budget during the August 8 commissioners' court meeting. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Williamson County hears proposed FY 2024 budget, new tax rates

The Williamson County Commissioners Court heard the proposed budget for the 2024 fiscal year.  The total budget for the county is $542,553,014. The commissioner's court set the voter-approved tax rate at $0.379282 per $100 valuation. The current tax rate is $0.
W.D. Kelley Foundation Executive Director Carl Illig, center of check, poses with CASA of Williamson County after funding a new marketing coordinator position. Country of CASA of Williamson County.

W.D. Kelley Foundation Executive Director Carl Illig, center of check, poses with CASA of Williamson County after funding a new marketing coordinator position. Country of CASA of Williamson County.

CASA Wilco receives grant, adds new marketing coordinator

CASA of Williamson County has been awarded a $189,000 grant from the W.D. Kelley Foundation.  CASA Wilco is a social services organization that advocates for children who have experienced abuse or neglect to find loving, safe, and permanent homes.
Florence City Mayor Mary Condon (left) listens to a resident’s comments during the August 1 City Council meeting. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Florence City Mayor Mary Condon (left) listens to a resident’s comments during the August 1 City Council meeting. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Florence City Council discusses water restrictions, drought plans

The City of Florence revised the drought contingency plan during the city council meeting August 1.  The council unanimously approved the changes to the city’s drought contingency plan ordinance.
The Williamson County Commissioners Court called for a November bond election during  its August 8 meeting.

The Williamson County Commissioners Court called for a November bond election during its August 8 meeting.

Williamson County Commissioners Court places $884 million bond election on November ballot

To address various road and park needs across the county, Williamson County residents will vote on $884 million worth of county bond projects November 7.  Williamson County Commissioners Court approved the November bond election during their meeting Tuesday, August 8.

Wilco bolsters efforts against wildfires

The Williamson County Fire Chief’s Association has adopted the Williamson County Wildfire Task Force Regional Procedure as a way to streamline requests for additional resources during active wildfires in the county.
Williamson County Auditor Julie Kiley answers questions about billing the non-county dispatch services at the August 1 Commissioners Court meeting. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Williamson County Auditor Julie Kiley answers questions about billing the non-county dispatch services at the August 1 Commissioners Court meeting. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Wilco discusses dispatch rates for non-county calls

Williamson County Commissioners Court supported the creation of a Jarrell ISD Police Department during its Tuesday, August 1, meeting. According to a signed agreement, the county will provide the school district with dispatch services and access to public safety software systems.