The following Q&A was sent to each candidate in August 2026. Responses provided were submitted by the Sun’s press deadline in mid-October and fit within a given wordcount.
Catherine Totty (Republican, Appointed Incumbent)
What is the duty of the county tax assessor-collector?
Catherine Totty: The Tax Assessor-Collector’s Office provides services that touch nearly every Williamson County resident at some point—from collecting property taxes and delivering funds to taxing entities, to vehicle registrations, renewals, license plates and title services on behalf of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. While Texas tax assessor-collectors are generally responsible for voter registration, Williamson County has a separate Elections Department that handles voter registration and election administration. The Tax Assessor-Collector also serves on the Appraisal District Board, County Election Commission and Williamson County Investment Committee.
What does the role mean to you?
Totty: Public service has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. My mother worked in the Anderson County Tax Office and later served two terms as Tax Assessor-Collector, so I grew up understanding both the responsibility of the office and the importance of serving people well. My husband has also spent his career in public service, including the last 20 years serving communities in Williamson County. Through my own community involvement, I have seen the impact of responsive, accountable local government. Serving as Tax Assessor-Collector is an opportunity to continue that tradition of service in the county I call home.
Why is this position important?
Totty: The Tax Assessor-Collector is entrusted with significant public funds and thousands of transactions on behalf of the county, cities, school districts, special taxing units and the State of Texas. That requires strong financial controls, accuracy, compliance and accountability. But just as important is customer service. For many residents and business owners, the Tax Office is one of their most frequent interactions with county government. They deserve an office that is efficient, professional and focused on serving them well.
What background makes you qualified for the job?
Totty: I currently serve as Williamson County Tax Assessor-Collector after being appointed by the Williamson County Commissioners Court. I also bring more than 25 years of experience in banking and financial services, including lending, operations, compliance, customer service and leadership. Throughout my career, I have managed complex financial transactions, interpreted state and federal regulations, led teams, prepared for audits and worked directly with property owners and taxpayers. My background includes extensive experience with property taxes, escrow administration, property records, title documentation and real estate transactions. That combination of hands-on experience and financial, regulatory and leadership expertise prepares me well to continue serving Williamson County.
What do you hope to accomplish in your upcoming term, if you get elected?
Totty: Larry Gaddes led this office with sincerity, integrity and a genuine commitment to Williamson County, and I want to build on that strong foundation. My priorities are maintaining the integrity and accuracy of the office, supporting and developing our dedicated employees, and continuing to improve the customer experience for Williamson County residents. As our county continues to grow, I also want to look for opportunities to make services more efficient and accessible while maintaining the strong financial controls and compliance the public expects.
Where in Williamson County do you live, and what are you known for in your community?
Totty: I live in Georgetown and have been actively involved in communities throughout Williamson County for years. I am a member of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce, an associate member of Five Points Board of REALTORS®, serve on my HOA board and participate in community organizations across the county. I host our neighborhood’s National Night Out, volunteer with an annual Thanksgiving meal for soldiers unable to return home for the holiday, and support local nonprofits including The Locker and the Wilco Women’s Center. I hope I’m known as someone who shows up, gets involved and genuinely cares about the people and communities that make Williamson County home.
Eric Hanke (Democrat)
What is the duty of the county tax assessor-collector?
Eric Hanke: The Tax Assessor-Collector collects taxes to ensure local governments have the resources to serve their communities. The office oversees approximately 60 employees across Georgetown, Cedar Park, Round Rock, and Taylor. It collects revenue for taxing entities including school districts, ESDs, MUDs and municipalities, helping fund public schools, infrastructure, police, fire and EMS. The Tax Office also provides essential motor vehicle services, including titling and transfers. In addition to managing these responsibilities and delivering efficient customer service, the Tax Assessor-Collector serves on the board of directors of the Williamson Central Appraisal District.
What does the role mean to you?
Hanke: For the past 12 years, I’ve served Texas counties and districts as a financial educator, helping county employees build financial security and retire with dignity. Along the way, I developed a passion for county government and public service. I’m running to bring that experience and commitment home—to serve the Williamson County Tax Office and the people of Williamson County. After years of working with communities across Texas, I’m ready to serve the community I call home.
Why is this position important?
Hanke: The Tax Assessor-Collector may not sound like the most exciting elected office, but it plays a crucial role in making local government function. By collecting the revenue our communities depend on, the Tax Office helps fund our schools, county services, first responders, infrastructure, and more. It’s an essential responsibility that directly impacts the quality of life in Williamson County.
What is the background that makes you qualified for the job?
Hanke: For 12 years, I’ve worked with county governments across Texas as a financial services professional, building strong relationships with Tax Assessor-Collectors and helping their offices recruit and retain employees through retirement education. I also have leadership experience hiring, training and evaluating team members. I’ll bring proven leadership, organization, care, and empathy to manage the Tax Office efficiently and provide excellent public service.
What do you hope to accomplish in your upcoming term, if you get elected?
Hanke: The leader sets the culture of an organization. I want to build on Larry Gaddes’ success and make the Williamson County Tax Office one of the county’s best places to work. I’ll empower employees, advocate for their success, and create a culture where they feel valued and supported. When employees thrive, the public receives better service. I’ll also use technology to reduce wait times, streamline processes, and make efficient use of taxpayer dollars—creating a Tax Office that works better for both its employees and the people of Williamson County.
Where in Williamson County do you live, and what are you known for in your community?
Hanke: I first moved to Williamson County to attend Southwestern University in Georgetown, where I formed my first band and began performing live. I’ve played venues and festivals across Texas ever since, and I currently play guitar for worship services at Macedonia Baptist Church. Music has taught me how to bring people together and connect across our differences. I’ve lived in Liberty Hill since 2015, and Williamson County has been home for most of my adult life.