Williamson County Commissioners Court talks budget recommendations
WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) -- The Williamson County Commissioners discussed budget recommendations for the upcoming fiscal year in Tuesdays' commissioners court meeting.
The total recommended budget by Williamson County's budget office is $735,644,714. There are three major parts within the budget: General Fund Budget, Road & Bridge Fund, and Debt Service Fund.
The General Fund Budget covers core functions of the county, like administration and public safety. It's recommended at $375,657,616, which is $14,000,000 more than what was approved last year.
The Road & Bridge Fund supports transportation infrastructure. It's recommended at $72,734,889.
The Debt Service Fund helps pay off county loans and bonds for past projects like building and infrastructure. It's recommended at $222,704,539.
"Getting a budget that meets the needs of the county and the fast growth of the county and still stay efficient and keep tax rate as low as possible is going to be very important," said Steven Snell, who is serving his first year as the Williamson County Judge.
Currently, Williamson County property owners pay just 39.99 cents per $100 of valuation. The county has not determined what the rate will be this year yet, but commissioners did vote not to exceed 41.37 cents for the rate -- which is the 2025 Voter-Approval Rate. Anything higher would have required approval in an election.
"That's basically our ceiling. And then after that, we can always go down from it, and I'm sure we will go down from it we have in the past," said Valerie Covey, Williamson County Commissioner for Precinct Three.
Covey said that balancing the budget with a booming population can be a difficult task. According to the U.S Census Bureau, Williamson County is the eight fastest growing county in Texas.
"It's difficult with such a growing county and the needs that we have," Covey said.
Snell said that as conversations progress, he wants to make sure first responders are a priority in the budget.
"We just had an experience with the flood. We need to make sure they have everything they need to take care of our county," Snell said.
Changes and proposals will be made throughout the month. The budget will be finalized on Aug. 25.