On Tuesday, the Williamson County Commissioners Court approved calling an election for two propositions on the November 5, 2019, General Election ballot. Voters will decide on whether or not to authorize the borrowing of up to $412 million for roads. The other proposition will ask voters to approve the borrowing of up to $35 million for parks and recreation. Williamson County estimates that passage of the two bond propositions will not result in an increase in the county’s debt service tax rate of $.1675 per $100 of valuation.
“Williamson County is the fifth fastest growing county in the State of Texas. Through our long-range transportation plan, we have a path set to address that growth,” said County Judge Bill Gravell. “Transportation safety and mobility, whether through roads or trails, is important to maintaining the outstanding quality of life we enjoy in Williamson County.”
The Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization projects that Williamson County’s population will reach just under a million people by 2030. In addition, the Homebuilders Association of Central Texas’ 2019 second quarter report found Williamson County was leading the tri-county area in new home starts with 6,930. Williamson County also is home to the Sonterra subdivision which has the highest number of annual closings among all subdivisions in Travis, Hays and Williamson counties.
Williamson County voters previously approved the sale of bonds for roads and parks in 2000, 2006, and 2013. From those elections, a total of 165 projects were added. The park bonds secured nerly 360 acres of parks and preserves, 37 miles of trails, and expanded facilities at the Expo Center and at county parks, the county says.
Information on the election is available on the county’s website at www.wilco.org/bondelection .
