GEORGETOWN — County commissioners seeking a more cooperative relationship with the state over utility districts approved filing two protests against the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
Also during the Williamson County Commissioners Court meeting May 5, the leaders honored the Williamson County Tax Assessor-Collector’s Office; covered amendments to previously approved software licenses and updates; and heard from residents concerned about the proposed Justice Complex.
During the Tuesday session, the commissioners gave the green light to lodge a pair of formal complaints against the TCEQ regarding municipal utility districts 67 and 69.
“The reason why we’re protesting them (with TCEQ) is because the rest of the county could fill in as a MUD, which would then be under the county,” said Precinct 3 Commissioner Valerie Covey.
MUDs provide water, sewage, drainage and other services to areas outside of city boundaries and are often precursors to developments.
Covey noted issues with MUDs frequently come before the commissioners.
She added the protests do not signal the county wants to kill the MUDs under the oversight of TCEQ.
“We just want them to work with us,” she said.
County Judge Steven Snell added, “We definitely want to work together and make sure we’re moving forward in the best interest of the county.”
The commissioners also lauded the Tax Assessor-Collector’s Office after Williamson County was one of three in Texas to receive the Gold Level Recognition in the Performance Quality Recognition Program from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.
“The PQRP celebrates outstanding partnerships that result in better service for Texans,” said Annette Quintero, director of Vehicle Titles and Registration for TxDMV.
“Our team is honored to receive this Gold Level Recognition,” said Tax Assessor- Collector Larry Gaddes. “This award reflects the dedication and professionalism of every staff member across our offices, from our frontline customer service teams to our accounting and title specialists.”
According to officials, the county’s DMV has a 99% customer satisfaction rating.
Meanwhile, with no discussion, the court approved a program manager-level three contract position, in conjunction with GTS Technology Solutions Inc., for the county’s Information Systems Department for 1,300 hours with a salary not to exceed $201,500.
The court also approved the purchase of additional Microsoft Azure licenses for public-safety needs through SoftwareOne Inc. for county offices and buying 37 Panasonic FZ-55 Toughbooks at more than $170,000 for the Criminal Investigation Division of the William County Sheriff’s Office.
At both the beginning and the end of the session, several Georgetown residents spoke out against the site chosen for the county’s new Justice Complex, noting the location is one-third of a mile away from two schools and backs up against the Pinnacle neighborhood.
The planned center will include a new county jail.
In March, commissioners approved the purchase of 253 acres for nearly $76 million for the future complex in southeast Georgetown. The largest tract is a 134-acre triangular property at 1200 CR 110.
Covey asked residents to provide information to County Manager Rebecca Clemons for further review.
The court next meets at 9:30 a.m. May 12 at 710 S. Main St. Sessions can also be viewed online at wilcotx.gov/331/ Commissioners- Court.
