Williamson County Commissioners Court

County Budget Officer Ashlie Holladay presents the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 Budget to the Williamson County Commissioners Court, August 5. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

County Budget Officer Ashlie Holladay presents the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 Budget to the Williamson County Commissioners Court, August 5. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Williamson County budget could go up by 5.6% this year

Williamson County’s preliminary Fiscal Year 2026 budget includes an estimated $671 million in expenditures.Budget Officer Ashlie Holladay presented the proposed budget to county commissioners during their August 5 meeting.
County Commissioner Valarie Covey gives a speech about the State Highway 195 at Ronald Reagan Boulevard ramp project in northwest Georgetown, Monday morning. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

County Commissioner Valarie Covey gives a speech about the State Highway 195 at Ronald Reagan Boulevard ramp project in northwest Georgetown, Monday morning. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Williamson County turns up dirt with new road projects

Despite inconsistent summer weather, Williamson County officials have kick-started a series of road projects for rural communities in Wilco.
Republican Rupal Chaudhari is running as County Commissioner, Precinct 2.  Photo courtesy of Rupal Chaudhari for Commissioner.

Republican Rupal Chaudhari is running as County Commissioner, Precinct 2. Photo courtesy of Rupal Chaudhari for Commissioner.

Republican Rupal Chaudhari launches candidacy for County Commissioner

Republican Rupal Chaudhari has announced her candidacy for Williamson County commissioner in Precinct 2. Republican Cynthia Long, who has served since 2007, currently holds the seat.“Service to others is not something I have ever embarked on lightly,” Ms. Chaudhari said.
The Williamson County Commissioners Court, from left, Terry Cook, Cynthia Long, County Judge Steve Snell and Valerie Covey approve a two percent salary increase for elected officials during the July 29 meeting. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

The Williamson County Commissioners Court, from left, Terry Cook, Cynthia Long, County Judge Steve Snell and Valerie Covey approve a two percent salary increase for elected officials during the July 29 meeting. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Elected Williamson County officials get 2% pay raise in Fiscal Year 26

Williamson County Commissioners Court approved a 2 percent salary increase for elected officials for the 2026 Fiscal Year budget. The salaries include all elected officials except the District Judges and the District Attorney.
David McDonald is running for County Commissioner Precinct 2 as a Republican. Photo courtesy of Kate McDonald.

David McDonald is running for County Commissioner Precinct 2 as a Republican. Photo courtesy of Kate McDonald.

David McDonald starts candidacy for county commissioner

Republican David McDonald — a current Leander City Council member and retired Austin police officer — has announced his candidacy for Williamson County Commissioner, Precinct 2, which is currently held by Cynthia Long. The primary election is scheduled for March 3, 2026.
Dave Porter, Executive Director of the Williamson County Economic Development partnership, shares the growth in local tax revenue during the July 22 meeting. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Dave Porter, Executive Director of the Williamson County Economic Development partnership, shares the growth in local tax revenue during the July 22 meeting. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Economic growth adds $24 million in new county tax revenue

The opening of the Samsung Semiconductor site in 2026 is expected to trigger a chain reaction of economic growth in Williamson County, and the county expects to generate more than $920 million in capital investments from future economic development.
Cameron Glass, front, is joined by Jeff Bradley, behind, to answer questions about how Phase 1 of the new Jail/Justice Center project will roll out, July 22. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Cameron Glass, front, is joined by Jeff Bradley, behind, to answer questions about how Phase 1 of the new Jail/Justice Center project will roll out, July 22. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Williamson County begins Phase 1 of new jail project

Williamson County Commissioners continued discussions about the county’s future jail during a meeting Tuesday, July 22. They directed planning and management firm Kitchell/CEM Inc.
Richard Semple, Williamson County’s Information Technology Director, answers the questions from the public and commissioners about ChatGPT Enterprise Licenses. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Richard Semple, Williamson County’s Information Technology Director, answers the questions from the public and commissioners about ChatGPT Enterprise Licenses. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Williamson County expanding use of Chat GPT AI software

In the age of information and technology, innovation has seeped into every industry. With any new technology comes concerns over safety and security of private information.
County Commissioner Valerie Covey updates the court on what the next steps are for the county’s new jail during the July 15 Commissioner Court meeting. Photos by Nalani Nuylan.

County Commissioner Valerie Covey updates the court on what the next steps are for the county’s new jail during the July 15 Commissioner Court meeting. Photos by Nalani Nuylan.

Commissioners divided on potential new jail property

Williamson County is looking for properties that could house the county’s next jail, but planning hit a snag Tuesday, July 15, when county commissioners were divided on a potential contract for a property near Florence.