Williamson County Commissioners Court

County Judge Steve Snell, center, announces the plan for the Williamson County Water Study, November 25. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

County Judge Steve Snell, center, announces the plan for the Williamson County Water Study, November 25. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Williamson County forms group to bolster long-term water supply

Williamson County officials officially launched what they say will be a long-term water solution for the region. County commissioners allocated $500,000 for a Williamson County Water Study on November 25. The goal, according to the agenda, is to have a water solution in place for the next 50 years.
Former Williamson County Judge Dan Allred Gattis — who led the county from 2007 to 2018 —  passed away at the age of 83 surrounded by his family on the evening of October 30. Sun Archive.

Former Williamson County Judge Dan Allred Gattis — who led the county from 2007 to 2018 —  passed away at the age of 83 surrounded by his family on the evening of October 30. Sun Archive.

Dan Gattis passes away

Former Williamson County Judge Dan Allred Gattis — who led the county from 2007 to 2018 —  passed away at the age of 83 surrounded by his family on the evening of October 30.
Williamson County Elections Administrator Bridgette Escobedo explained how the new congressional precincts were drawn during the October 28 Commissioners Court meeting. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Williamson County Elections Administrator Bridgette Escobedo explained how the new congressional precincts were drawn during the October 28 Commissioners Court meeting. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Congressional reshuffle: Williamson County passes new voting precinct lines for 2026 elections

Fifty-three congressional voting precincts will be changed ahead of elections in 2026.The Williamson County Commissioners Court approved the new precinct boundary changes on October 28. The boundaries were established as part of Texas’ second special legislative session this summer.
Chief Information Officer Richard Semple, front, and County Auditor Julie Kiley (back), explain the next steps for the new software system for the county during the October 21 meeting. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Chief Information Officer Richard Semple, front, and County Auditor Julie Kiley (back), explain the next steps for the new software system for the county during the October 21 meeting. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

County purchases, preps new software

Williamson County will switch its operating software over to Workday Inc. starting November 5. On Tuesday, commissioners court approved the $9 million Workday Inc. software subscription.
The Williamson County Commissioners Court approved the tax abatement agreement for Labatt Food Services to set up shop in Jarrell. From left: Commissioners Terry Cook, Cynthia Long, County Judge Steve Snell, Commissioner Valerie Covey and Russ Boles. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

The Williamson County Commissioners Court approved the tax abatement agreement for Labatt Food Services to set up shop in Jarrell. From left: Commissioners Terry Cook, Cynthia Long, County Judge Steve Snell, Commissioner Valerie Covey and Russ Boles. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Williamson County okays tax incentives for food distributor in Jarrell

Williamson County commissioners approved a tax abatement agreement for Labatt Food Service, LLC during the October 21 meeting. According to the company's website, Labatt Food Service is headquartered in San Antonio and is the 10th-largest food service distributor in the nation.
Scott Matthew, Williamson County’s executive director of Juvenile Services, front, is joined by Judge Ryan Larson of the 395th District Court, back, to answer questions about funding juvenile programs through grants. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Scott Matthew, Williamson County’s executive director of Juvenile Services, front, is joined by Judge Ryan Larson of the 395th District Court, back, to answer questions about funding juvenile programs through grants. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Justices seek grant opportunities to better help youth

Williamson County could receive more than $1 million in grants to fund juvenile assistance programs.During the October 14 Commissioners Court meeting, officials authorized justices of the peace to apply for grants supporting juvenile programs focused on substance use, violence and indigent defense.
Emergency Management Director Bruce Clements provides an update on clean-up efforts during the Tuesday, October 14, commissioners court meeting. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Emergency Management Director Bruce Clements provides an update on clean-up efforts during the Tuesday, October 14, commissioners court meeting. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Flood update: County tackles debris slowly, assistance still available

It’s been three months since the region was hit by deadly flooding in July. Although Wilco Emergency Management and partners have been removing debris from the North and South forks of the San Gabriel River, the county is still only about 10 percent done with clean-up.
The Williamson County Commissioners Court, from left, Commissioners Terry Cook, Cynthia Long, County Judge Steve Snell and Commissioners Valerie Covey approve issuing a county-wide burn ban during the September 30 meeting. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

The Williamson County Commissioners Court, from left, Commissioners Terry Cook, Cynthia Long, County Judge Steve Snell and Commissioners Valerie Covey approve issuing a county-wide burn ban during the September 30 meeting. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Williamson County enacts fall burn ban due to dry conditions

The Williamson County Commissioners Court issued a countywide burn ban effective Tuesday, September 30, for up to 90 days as a precaution during increased drought conditions. The order may be lifted earlier by commissioners' court or the county judge if conditions improve.
County Commissioner Valerei Covey explains her reasoning for the Lipstick project during the September 9 Commissioners Court meeting. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

County Commissioner Valerei Covey explains her reasoning for the Lipstick project during the September 9 Commissioners Court meeting. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Commissioners hash out improvement projects

The Williamson County Commissioners Court allocated more than half of its designated Capital Improvement Projects budget to construction tasks during the September 9 meeting. Commissioners approved $25,459,211 of the $44.
Misty Valenta, director of animal services for Wilco, back, is joined by Laura Donahue, senior director of Best Friends Animal Society, front, to report on the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter’s success in 2024. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Misty Valenta, director of animal services for Wilco, back, is joined by Laura Donahue, senior director of Best Friends Animal Society, front, to report on the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter’s success in 2024. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Happy Trails: Animal shelter keeps no-kill status

The Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter has maintained its no-kill designation from the Best Friends Animal Society.During the August 26 Commissioners Court meeting, the shelter received a plaque recognizing the distinction and provided an update on its programs.