Williamson County

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.
 From left to right, SBA spokesperson Natalie Longwell, Director of Emergency Services Bruce Clements,  American Red Cross spokesperson Taylor Salson and Williamson County Judge Steve Snell list resources at the Multi-Agency Resource and Disaster Recovery Centers, Friday morning. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

From left to right, SBA spokesperson Natalie Longwell, Director of Emergency Services Bruce Clements, American Red Cross spokesperson Taylor Salson and Williamson County Judge Steve Snell list resources at the Multi-Agency Resource and Disaster Recovery Centers, Friday morning. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Williamson County opens disaster resource center for flood victims

Williamson County will open a Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) this weekend, July 18- 20, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. for residents impacted by the flood.
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.
The Culex quinquefasciatus, or Southern house mosquito, can transmit West Nile virus. Photo courtesy of Texas A&M AgriLife.

The Culex quinquefasciatus, or Southern house mosquito, can transmit West Nile virus. Photo courtesy of Texas A&M AgriLife.

Williamson County sees first West Nile case

The Williamson County and Cities Health District has confirmed the first human case of West Nile Virus, July 3.According to the health district, the individual is a resident in their 40s living in southern Williamson County.
Liberty Hill Mayor Crystal Mancilla asks Williamson County Commissioners to help with landfill vouchers during the Special Commissioners Court meeting, July 11. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Liberty Hill Mayor Crystal Mancilla asks Williamson County Commissioners to help with landfill vouchers during the Special Commissioners Court meeting, July 11. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Estimated $34 million in infrastructure damages caused by flooding in Williamson County

Williamson County emergency management officials estimate that flooding on July 5 caused $34 million in damage to county infrastructure.County commissioners held a special session Friday, July 11, to discuss post-flooding public health and safety concerns.
Liberty Hill volunteers are joined by H-E-B helpers to load a flood victim’s car with supplies at a makeshift disaster relief center in Liberty Hill Middle School. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Liberty Hill volunteers are joined by H-E-B helpers to load a flood victim’s car with supplies at a makeshift disaster relief center in Liberty Hill Middle School. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Victims, volunteers recount flood experiences

Georgetown resident Alisha Burton was woken up by a firefighter banging on her door to her RV home in GoodWater RV Park on July 5.Around 7:30 a.m., Ms. Burton said Sheriff’s deputies and firefighters were checking the San Gabriel River’s rising water.
Bruce Clements, from Wilco’s Office of Emergency Management (left), explains plans about how crews will conduct the damage assessment during an 11 a.m. press conference Monday, July 7. County Judge Steve Snell, center, and Sheriff Matt Lindemann, right, listen to the report. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Bruce Clements, from Wilco’s Office of Emergency Management (left), explains plans about how crews will conduct the damage assessment during an 11 a.m. press conference Monday, July 7. County Judge Steve Snell, center, and Sheriff Matt Lindemann, right, listen to the report. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Flood claims third Williamson County victim

At least three people are dead after the San Gabriel River severely flooded across Williamson County over the weekend. The first victim was Kaitlyn Swallow, age 22, from the Liberty Hill area, who was found dead late Saturday by the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office.

County shelter takes animals from Georgetown, Lampasas

The Georgetown Animal Shelter facility was evacuated on July 5 as water broke the banks of the San Gabriel River. The animals were taken to the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter site on SE Inner Loop. WCRAS began emergency protocols at about 10:30 a.m.