Commissioners approve stop light at deadly Taylor intersection
GEORGETOWN — Bulletresistant cars for deputies, a stoplight at a dangerous Taylor intersection and an enhanced audio-visual system for the Williamson County Expo Center topped the agenda at this week’s Commissioners Court session.
The county also named a new architect.
During Tuesday’s session, the county’s elected representatives approved a request to apply for a state-administered grant to cover the cost of outfitting six bullet-resistant vehicles for the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office.
Bryan Williams, the assistant deputy chief over Special Operations, appeared before the court seeking the nod to go for the grant.
“It’s not as exciting as it sounds,” Williams said.
The funding is offered through Gov. Greg Abbott’s office to pay for bullet-resistant components for patrol vehicles including windshields, driver and passenger windows and driver and passenger door reinforcements.
Initially, the Sheriff’s Office planned to ask for $233,000 to outfit 24 vehicles, but then decided to start with six bullet-resistant cars. The reinforced cars will be evenly divided among each patrol shift with three in eastern Williamson County and the others headed west.
The cost would be completely covered by the grant with no county match necessary.
“There are some stipulations to it,” Williams said, “but Williamson County already complies with the grant requirements.”
The application deadline is Nov. 20.
Precinct 3 Commissioner Valerie Covey voiced some concerns.
“When this grant runs out, then what?” Covey said.
Williams said the sheriff will not to apply for more grants or ask the county for money, but instead will remove the bullet-resistant components from aging vehicles and retrofit them into newer squad cars.
“As long as we have other (vehicles) that will match up,” Williams added.
“I like it,” Covey said. In East Wilco news, an agreement with Texas Department of Transportation for a light at CR 366 and Chandler Road in Taylor, where several fatal accidents have occurred, was approved without discussion by commissioners.
They also approved the transfer of 2023 Park Bond funds initially slated for the Expo West Arena & Amenities to be moved over to the Expo Center audio-visual enhancements. The center is in north Taylor and part of Precinct 4.
Again, commissioners had no discussion regarding the issue except a clarification on the reassignment of funds.
In other business, Pablo Serna joined Williamson County as its official architect Oct. 24.
With a background of more than 20 years in architecture, design and project management, Serna will oversee the planning, design and construction of county facilities.
“I’m honored to join Williamson County and contribute to projects that will positively impact our residents and employees,” Serna said in a previously released statement. “My goal is to ensure that every facility we design and build supports the county’s mission, reflects its values and serves the community well into the future.”
Commissioners will not meet Tuesday, Nov. 11, which is Veterans Day.
The commission will next gather at 9:30 a.m. Nov. 18 at 710 S. Main St. Sessions can also be viewed online at wilcotx. gov/331/Commissioners-Court.
Pablo Serna is the new architect for Williamson County. He will oversee the planning, design and construction of county buildings. Photo courtesy of Williamson County
