GEORGETOWN — A new swift-water rescue boat could go to the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office if a grant application greenlit by commissioners is approved.
In addition, commissioners began the new year Tuesday by approving a report covering the county’s use of Community Development Block Grants.
The Sheriff’s Office during this week’s Commissioners Court session asked for permission to apply for the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Grant.
If approved, the grant will allow the sheriff to purchase a new swiftwater rescue boat after another one recently was damaged.
“The work that our swift-water rescue teams did with the Sheriff’s Office this last July with the floods both in Kerr County and Williamson County was amazing. The bravery was unbelievable,” said County Judge Steven Snell.
The July Fourth floods, which started when a landmark storm caused the Guadalupe River in Kerr County and the San Gabriel River in Williamson County to overflow their banks, caused billions in damage and claimed more than 130 lives — including three locally.
Snell noted one of the county’s rescue boats was damaged during the disaster.
“If we can get a grant to supplement (the purchase of a new one), it would be much needed,” he said.
Commissioners also approved the 2024 annual performance and evaluation report of the CBDG program under the auspices of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, which distributes the funds.
In 2025, Granger benefited from CDBG monies that aided its water and wastewater infrastructure issues.
In the Jan. 6 consent agenda, commissioners approved a one-year agreement for Hill Country Medical Ministries LLC and Sacred Heart LLC to participate in a Health Grant program.
Both HCMM and Sacred Heart are nonprofits offering free or low-cost health care services to Williamson County residents.
An item regarding a license agreement with the Williamson County Expo Center, 5350 Bill Pickett Trail in Taylor, and the Williamson County Livestock Association was pulled for further discussion.
Commissioners also noted a special meeting is set for 5 p.m. Jan. 15 at 3189 S.E. Inner Loop to consider the county’s planned justice center complex.
Commissioners Court will next meet at 9:30 a.m. Jan. 13 at 710 S. Main St.
Sessions can also be viewed online at wilcotx.gov/331/ Commissioners- Court.
