Envision Precinct 3 in 2020

In the year 2020, the percentage of the population over the ages of 65 is going to be greater, for the first time in history, than the population of people under the age of 15. And this is going to impact everything — from our health and human services, to how we deal with transportation, to our housing problems, to our workforce issues, to energy and the environment. The issues are clear; finances, roads, and jobs.

The massive growth of Del Webb’s Age restricted community (55+) in precinct 3 has Georgetown’s population skyrocketing and it affects Florenceand Jarrell as well. The Age-restricted community Sun City, Texas is made up mostly of single family dwellings, but also has duplexes. . The Sun Cityproject includes three golf courses. Sun City attracts residents from all over the country but most come from within Texas to stay close to their home. There has been vocal opposition to the project at times, especially at the start during the zoning process, with arguments against the size of the community, its effect on Georgetown’s family friendly reputation, concerns about the costs of providing city utilities, and worries about lowered city and Williamson County property taxes (which are fixed for retirees under Texas law).

But the community has been welcomed and well accepted into theGeorgetownpopulace. In the 2008 city elections, for example, two residents ofSun Citywere the only two candidates for Mayor of Georgetown. They also were both formerly elected city council members. Also, there are twoSun Cityresidents serving on Jarrell’s school board. We have experienced intelligent assets inSun Citythat love their community.

We must be prepared for an aging community and our healthcare industry must continue to meet that challenge. As for county government, emergency services must be maintained and improved and never be a consideration for budget cuts.  Cuts must come in debt service and by maintaining that county government should be decreasing while city governments are growing.

 

About the Commissioners Court

The Commissioners Court is the overall governing and management body of Williamson County. The Commissioners Court is responsible for all budgetary decisions and setting the tax rate each year. Among the duties of the Commissioners Court is administration of all the business of the County, including the building and maintenance of county roads and bridges.

Members

There are five members of the Commissioners Court. The County Judge presides as the chairman and is elected by all the voters in the county every four years. The four commissioners are elected by the voters within their precinct every four years.

County Budget

The Commissioners Court is responsible for administering the County budget. The County’s fiscal year is Oct. 1st to Sept. 30th of each year. Each summer the Commissioners set the budget for the coming fiscal year. The County Judge prepares a recommended budget for the court. A series of workshops are held in July for the County Dept. Heads to review their recommended budget with the court. In addition, the court is required to hold a public hearing if the proposed tax rate will be increased more than 3%. The final budget is usually adopted by the end of August each year. The Commissioners also set the tax rate at this time.

Duties of the Commissioners Court

The State of Texas sets the duties of the Commissioners Court. The general duties of Commissioners Court are as follows:

1. Adopt the County budget
2. Set the County tax rate
3. Establish a courthouse and jail
4. Build roads and bridges
5. Assure the safe-keeping of land and citizen records
6. Let contracts in the name of the County
7. Provide law enforcement through the County sheriff
8. Administer the County’s public welfare services
9. Administer the County’s public health services
10. Perform numerous duties in regard to elections
11. Operate County parks
12. Appoint numerous officials
13. Issue bonds