GEORGETOWN — Williamson County Judge Steven Snell wants the county to find its own solution to water availability.
To aid that effort, he proposed a county water study during Tuesday’s weekly Commissioners Court session. The price tag of $350,000 could rise to $500,000, the judge said.
In addition, the commissioners discussed a response to proposed law-enforcement pay hikes as the county continues budget discussions.
While Snell acknowledged the county is not in the water business, he also reminded commissioners there is no long-term strategy for water.
“We have a water problem. The governor and the state Legislature have poured money into a Texas-wide solution, but Williamson County needs its own solution,” Snell said.
Williamson County is part of a growth triangle that stretches from Dallas to San Antonio to Houston. With the booming population and development, “there’s a great need for water (in this area),” Snell said.
Not only does the county require potable water, but it also needs new or updated wastewater treatment facilities. Many communities also require new pipes and infrastructure.
While agreeing the county has water issues, Precinct 2 Commissioner Cynthia Long said it was not the county’s or the commissioners’ jobs to pay for development.
“Water is not in the county’s scope of services,” Long said.
Snell stressed he was not proposing the county build infrastructure, just take steps to avoid a crisis beginning with the water study.
“I would like through this study to take a leadership role in bringing everybody together to create a real and viable solution that’s cost effective to the taxpayers and helps us grow responsibly and purposefully for the future,” Snell said.
Precinct 4 Russ Bole sided with Snell.
“We kind of find ourselves in a new frontier here. I’m going to support this,” Boles said.
He added if the county does the legwork on a project, the state is more likely to provide the financial support.
“If we can have a plan, particularly with water on the mind of the state, and the state has the funds, that puts us just that much closer (to achieving the goal),” Boles said.
While Long and Precinct 3 Commissioner Valerie Covey agreed in principle, both agreed they want to see the idea developed more.
“Judge, I think you can get it over the goal line if…you bring back a more vetted concept for a further discussion to vote on,” Covey said.
Snell agreed to gather more information.
In other business, Snell mentioned there had been a lot of conversation surrounding the law-enforcement and correction officer raises, 9% and 12% consecutively.
A salary study that determined the raises noted the officers were underpaid compared to similar jurisdictions.
Earlier in the Aug. 11 meeting, District Clerk Lisa David said her employees across the board deserved 2% merit raises, but since not everybody was getting one she asked the court to look at other options.
“I know they’re appreciative of anything that you can consider,” David said.
The commissioners discussed the addition of a 2% cost of living adjustment increase to salaries, but ultimately decided to go back to the drawing board and look at other options to provide pay raises.
The 2026 fiscal year budget was also tabled for a later date.
By law, a budget must be in place by Oct. 1.
The court meets 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays at 710 S. Main St. Sessions can also be viewed online at wilcotx.gov/331/ Commissioners- Court.
