GEORGETOWN — A proposed policy limiting social and political expression by county employees during working hours is tabled for now, but not before prompting a farreaching discussion during a Dec. 10 Williamson County Commissioners Court meeting.
County Manager Rebecca Clemons said the policy consideration was sparked by a pair of recent complaints related to personal expression, leading to a discussion among commissioners about the right to free speech while maintaining decorum and positive relationships in a taxsupported job. In other business, commissioners received an update on the hiring search for additional death investigators.
In the first item, while the conversation ranged from whether it is appropriate to erect religious displays or post images of political figures in the office, commissioners directed Clemons to do additional work on the policy for future review — or even handle the issue on a case-by-case basis. “I’d like for us not to address the issue again,” County Judge Bill Gravell said. “I’d like for you, as the county manager, to address the issue when it’s brought to you by department heads or elected officials, and if you need wisdom or input from the court, you’ll seek it at that time.” Commissioners have been mulling the inclusion of a policy designed to limit social and/or political expression of county employees while on the job.
