The Williamson County Commissioners Court has officially passed the budget for fiscal year 2025-2026, setting stones in place to support the county's growing needs. As stated by County Judge Steve Snell, the budget aims to "prioritizes public safety and also values our county employees who serve our residents." The overall budget tallies up a substantial $702,428,992, covering General Fund, Road and Bridge Fund, and Debt Service Fund, detailed on Williamson County's website.
Looking to adequately prepare for the expected population increase, the newly adopted budget includes funds to add 46.5 new full-time positions across various county departments. In response to supply chain setbacks, the budget also sets aside carryover funds - $6.84 million for pending ambulance deliveries and $4 million earmarked for vehicles delayed within the current fiscal cycle. Investments in crucial public safety equipment are not to be overlooked, with $2.6 million earmarked for new cardiac monitors for EMS and $4.24 million allocated for the crucial replacement of emergency radios, Judge Snell emphasized in the budget breakdown.
Forward-thinking initiatives are central to Williamson County’s strategy, considering $20 million is allocated for capital improvements and $7 million toward the Long Range Transportation Plan. Additionally, $17,937,693 is set aside for either transportation planning or capital improvements; decisions on which to expect further deliberation by the Commissioners Court come September 9, as they sift through potential projects to fund with those dollars.
To attract and retain talent within its workforce, Williamson County is implementing salary increases. Civilian employees can anticipate a dual increase—a 2% cost-of-living adjustment, fused seamlessly with a 2% merit increase. According to Judge Snell, law enforcement and corrections personnel are to receive higher raises based on a salary study, costing the county some $4.868 million. These targeted boosts average out to an 8.38% increase for deputies and an even more substantial 10.98% for corrections officers, along with additional step increases costing $1 million. This structured increase strategy demonstrates the county's commitment to maintaining a competitive compensation package for its employees in the face of growth and demands in services, particularly in larger unincorporated areas.
Maintaining infrastructure remains a key county priority, with the FY26 Road and Bridge Fund budget at $78,523,221, which includes a similar 2% cost-of-living and merit increases for employees and provisions for four new full-time positions. This is aligned with voter feedback citing transportation as a critical matter, highlighted by Precinct 4 Commissioner Russ Boles's endorsement of the budget's focus on the necessities, like deputies and asphalt for roads. The Debt Service Fund has also been considered, with $20 million for debt defeasance to reduce interest payments in the long term, a fiscal practice supported by Precinct 3 Commissioner Valerie Covey.
Residents in Williamson County will see a tax rate of $0.413776 per $100 valuation set for the tax year 2025, which indicates a rise of approximately $122 per year for the median homestead residence. The FY26 budget document will be made available for public review by September 30, 2025, both online and at the County Clerk’s Office, fulfilling the county's commitment to transparency and accessibility for its constituents.
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