Sep 01, 2026 Commissioners Court - Regular Session

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>> GOOD MORNING. THE TIME IS 9:33 AND I CALL THIS SEPTEMBER FIRST MEETING OF THE WILLIAMSON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT TO ORDER. THE TIME IS OFFICIALLY 9:34.

[ Public Comment Period for Agenda Items.  The Commissioners Court will conduct a Public Comment Period to allow members of the public, who have properly submitted a Public Participation Form, to address the Commissioners Court regarding specific Agenda Items that are on the Commissioners Court’s Agenda.  During such Public Comment Period, speakers shall be limited to a maximum of three (3) minutes to make his or her remarks regarding an Agenda Item. Each member of the public who appears before the Commissioners Court to address the Commissioners Court regarding more than one (1) Agenda Item on the Commissioners Court’s Agenda shall be limited to a cumulative maximum of five (5) minutes to make his or her remarks for all such Agenda Items.  The maximum overall discussion time allowed for an Agenda Item, regardless of the number of members of the public wishing to address the Court on such Agenda Item, shall be limited to thirty (30) minutes.  Speaking time, to the extent possible, will be evenly allocated among speakers should more than ten (10) speakers desire to speak on the same Agenda Item.  In matters of exceptional interest, the Commissioners Court may, by majority vote, lengthen the maximum overall public discussion time allowed on a particular Agenda Item.  The Presiding Officer of the Commissioners Court reserves the right to conduct public comment regarding an Agenda Item at the time in which the item is called for the Commissioners Court’s consideration as opposed to including such public comments during this Public Comment Period.]

OUR FIRST SPEAKER IS BILL CAVALLA.

I HAVE YOU SIGNED UP TO SPEAK ON TWO ITEMS.

NUMBER 30 AND NUMBER 54. >> BILL, WILLIAMSON COUNTY.

ITEM 30, THIS IS INTERESTING. GATHERING DATA AND USING IT FROM PROBABLY OTHER COUNTRIES, ONE OF THOSE WHICH I SPOKE ABOUT YEARS AGO BEFORE JUDGE SNELL WAS AROUND WAS THE ISSUE OF FLOCK CAMERAS THAT ARE BEING IMPLEMENTED IN WILLIAMSON COUNTY FOR A VARIETY OF USES. ONE OF WHICH, PROBABLY SOME HOA HAS GOT THEIR HANDS ON, BUT SENATOR HAWLEY FROM MISSOURI IS CHAIR OF THE SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE AND STARTED DOING AN INVESTIGATION ON WHO HAS ACCESS TO THESE PERSONAL CAMERAS.

RIGHT NOW THE SURVEILLANCE NETWORK DETAILS OVER 120,000 CAMERAS ACROSS 49 STATES AND 20 BILLION VEHICLE SCANS EVERY MONTH. THESE CAMERAS CAPTURING DATA INTO AN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE DATABASE THAT CAN BE SEARCHED BY CUSTOMERS. OF COURSE WHEN YOU HAVE SOMETHING LIKE THIS, USUALLY SOMEONE DOES ABUSE IT.

NOT TO MENTION THE ERRORS THAT ARE INVOLVED.

ONE EMPLOYEE USED THE SEARCH FOR UNRELATED LAW ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITIES. ANOTHER ONE, A POLICE OFFICER ALLEGEDLY SEARCHED A LICENSE PLATE NUMBER AND FOUND HER 124 TIMES AND HER BOYFRIEND 55 TI TIMES.

WE ALSO TALKED ABOUT THE MISTAKEN ARRESTS THAT HAVE OCCURRED FROM THIS. ONE WOMAN SPENT 13 DAYS IN JAIL ON A FALSE DETECTION. THE CALIFORNIA POLICE DEPARTMENT ON THE WEST COAST SAID 71% OF PHLOX ALERTS ARE WRONG.

THE LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT HAS QUIT USING THEM.

ONE OF THE THINGS DISCUSSED BACK WHEN I MADE COMMENTS IS THE FACT THAT HOAS WERE GOING TO GET THEIR HANDS ON THESE AND COLLECT DATA. BUT WHO ELSE IS GOING TO GET THEIR HANDS ON THESE INFORMATION? THEY VIOLATE THE NINTH AMENDMENT OF CITIZENS RIGHTS.

SOMETHING TO LOOK INTO. I DON'T KNOW HOW WIDESPREAD THIS HAS GOT OVER THE YEARS IN WILLIAMSON COUNTY.

ITEM NUMBER 54, MASTER SERVICE AGREEMENT.

$3 MILLION ANNUAL BLANK CHECK TO GO BY I T TOYS.

WE CAN SPEND ALL THESE MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, YET WE CAN'T SPEND A FEW HUNDRED DOLLARS FOR CITIZENS MAKING COMMENTS TO BE ABLE TO SHOW A PDF OR SOME OTHER ITEM TO HELP PRESENT MATERIAL TO THE COMMISSIONERS COURT AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC.

WE ACTUALLY COULD HAVE DONE THIS ABOUT TEN YEARS AGO, UNTIL I PUT A DISPLAY UP THEY DIDN'T LIKE. BUT IT WAS A FACTUAL GRAPHIC DISPLAY OF THE TRUTH. OUR CITIZENS SHOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO HAVE SOME OF THEIR TAX DOLLARS BE SPENT ON ASSISTING

THEM MAKING THEIR COMMENTS. >> THANK YOU, BILL.

[1. Review and approval of minutes.]

MINUTES. >> JUDGE, I MOVE WE APPROVE THE

MINUTES. >> MOTION BY COMMISSIONER COOK.

>> I'LL SECOND. >> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BOLES.

[2. Hear County Auditor concerning invoices, bills, Quick Check Report, wire transfers and electronic payments submitted for payment and take appropriate action including, but not limited to approval for payment provided said items are found by the County Auditor to be legal obligations of the county.]

WELCOME, JULIE. >> GOOD MORNING, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. JULIE KYLIE, COUNTY AUDITOR.

YOU SHOULD HAVE RECEIVED YOUR FUNDING REPORT.

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REQUEST TO $16,586,305.73. >> THANK YOU.

MOTION TO APPROVE BY COMMISSIONER COVEY.

>> SECOND. >> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER LONG.

ALL IN FAVOR? THANK YOU.

[ CONSENT AGENDA The Consent Agenda includes non-controversial and routine items that the Court may act on with one single vote. The Judge or a Commissioner may pull any item from the consent agenda in order that the court discuss and act upon it individually as part of the Regular Agenda. (Items 3–40)]

WE ARE PULLING ITEM 35 OFF THE AGENDA COMPLETELY, AND I'M GOING TO MOVE ITEM 20 TO THE REGULAR SESSION.

SO I PRESENT TO YOU THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED -30 35 AND

20. >> I'LL MOVE TO APPROVE ITEMS THREE THROUGH 40 EXCLUDING 20 AND 35.

>> SECOND. >> MOTION BY COMMISSIONER COVEY SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BOLES. ALL IN FAVOR?

[20. Discuss, consider and take appropriate action on acceptance of a Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veterans' Assistance grant award in the amount of $300,000 for support of the Williamson County Veterans Service Office Emergency Financial Assistance program.]

WE HAVE MICHAEL HERE, COME ON UP.

DISCUSS, CONSIDER, AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION ON ACCEPTANCE OF A TEXAS VETERANS COMMISSION FUND FOR VETERANS ASSISTANCE GRANT AWARD. THEY WERE AWARDED A GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $300,000 FOR SUPPORT OF THE WILLIAMSON COUNTY VETERANS SERVICES OFFICE EMERGENCY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. BUT TODAY HE HAS A LITTLE LARGER CHECK. WELCOME, TELL US ABOUT IT.

>> GOOD MORNING, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS.

GOOD MORNING MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.

MY NAME IS MICHAEL HERNANDEZ, DIRECTOR OF VETERANS SERVICES FOR WILLIAMSON COUNTY. I HAVE JOINING ME TED, OUR GRANT COORDINATOR FOR EMERGENCY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM SUPPORTED BY THE TEXAS VETERANS COMMISSION.

THIS LAST YEAR WE TOLD THE TEXAS VETERANS COMMISSION WE WANTED TO SERVE A POPULATION OF 180 VETERAN COMMUNITY MEMBERS.

WE JUST CLOSED OUT THIS MONTH SERVING 301.

THAT ADDRESSES THE NEED OF THE COMMUNITY, BUT ALSO TED'S HARD WORK ENGAGING WITH OUR COMMUNITY, IDENTIFYING THAT NEED, HAVING A PROACTIVE APPROACH.

WE HAVE PREVENTED OVER 14 EVICTIONS THIS PAST GRANT PERIOD. WE KNOW THERE'S A NEED THAT WE WANT TO CONTINUE TO IDENTIFY. SO TODAY I WANTED TO TALK ABOUT AND REPRESENT OUR CHECK OF $300,000 FOR EMERGENCY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE THE TEXAS VETERANS COMMISSION HAS COMBINED.

THIS ACTUALLY REPRESENTS A $660,000 THAT COMES INTO OUR COMMUNITY TO SUPPORT THEM THROUGH EMERGENCY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND OUR VETERANS TREATMENT.

I JUST WANTED TO TALK ABOUT THAT TODAY.

LET MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC KNOW THAT SHOULD YOU LIVE IN WILLIAMSON COUNTY AND BE A VETERAN COMMUNITY MEMBER, PLEASE REACH OUT TO OUR OFFICE AT AREA CODE 512-943-1900 OR EMAIL US.

WE WOULD LOVE TO BE ABLE TO ASSIST.

>> CONGRATULATIONS. AND THANK YOU FOR THE GOOD WORK.

JUDGE, I'LL MOVE TO APPROVE. >> SECOND.

>> MOTION BY COMMISSIONER COVEY, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER LONG.

ALL IN FAVOR? MOTION CARRIES 5-0.

IS IT OKAY IF WE GET A PICTURE? >> ABSOLUTELY.

[41. Discuss, consider, and take appropriate action on approving a proclamation declaring the month of September 2026 as "National Preparedness Month".]

>> THAT WAS GREAT. MOVING TO AGENDA ITEM 41, DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION ON APPROVING A PROCLAMATION DECLARING THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2026 AS NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH. WE HAVE BRUCE CLEMENTS AND JAKE

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ISBELL. >> BRUCE CLEMENTS, CHIEF OF THE OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT. GOOD MORNING JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. TODAY WE KICK OFF PREPAREDNESS MONTH. WE HAVE A VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES GOING ON. I HAVE SLIDES IF THOSE ARE AVAILABLE. NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE.

WE HAVE A VARIETY OF THINGS GOING ON OVER THE COURSE OF THE MONTH. THE FIRST THING WE HAVE IS ACTUALLY TOMORROW EVENING, THE ROUND ROCK EXPRESS IS HOSTING AN EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS NIGHT AT THE BALLPARK.

IT'S ALSO $1 HOT DOG NIGHT, BY THE WAY.

SO WE WILL BE THERE AND A LOT OF OUR PARTNERS WILL BE THERE.

WE WILL HAVE TABLES SET UP AND BE PROVIDING INFORMATION ABOUT HOW TO BE BETTER PREPARED FOR DISASTERS.

WE ALSO HAVE COMING UP THE WILLIAMSON COUNTY DISASTER ALLIANCE. THE FIRST MEETING OF THAT GROUP WILL BE IN THIS ROOM ON SEPTEMBER 17TH.

THAT IS A GROUP OF ALL OF OUR COUNTY WIDE FAITH BASED PARTNERS, NONPROFITS, AND OTHERS THAT HELP US OUT DURING DISASTERS. WE FOUND DURING THE FLOOD LAST YEAR THAT A LOT OF ORGANIZATIONS STEPPED UP AND WANTED TO HELP BUT WE REALLY DIDN'T HAVE THEM ORGANIZED WELL ENOUGH TO DELIVER THE SERVICES AS EFFECTIVELY AS WE PROBABLY COULD.

SO WE ARE ORGANIZING THAT GROUP IN ADVANCE OF FUTURE DISASTERS AND COORDINATING WITH THEM IN ADVANCE.

THANK YOU. IN ADDITION AT THE END OF THE MONTH ON THE 23RD, WE HAVE A SEVERE WEATHER AND FLOOD TRAINING CLASS THAT WAS FORMERLY CALLED SKYWARN.

THAT'S GOING TO BE AT THE EMS BUILDING AND TRAINING ROOM B ON SEPTEMBER 23RD FROM 2-4:00. THIS IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AND THERE'S A REGISTRATION LINK ON OUR WEBSITE.

WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO HOSTING THAT AS WELL.

WE ALSO HAVE A VARIETY OF THINGS GOING ON OVER SOCIAL MEDIA.

CONNIE'S TEAM HAS DONE AN OUTSTANDING JOB PUTTING TOGETHER MATERIALS FOR US. WE HAVE FIVE WEEKS IN SEPTEMBER, SO WE WERE FORTUNATE TO ADD ONE ADDITIONAL WEEK TO THIS.

THE FIRST THROUGH THE SEVENTH, WE WILL BE PROMOTING HEAT MESSAGES, THROUGH THE 13TH, FLOODING.

THE 20TH TO THE 27TH WINTER STORMS, AND AT THE END OF THE MONTH SEVERE STORMS. SO WE HAVE THOSE THINGS COMING UP. AND I BELIEVE THERE IS A VIDEO, I DON'T KNOW IF IT'S EMBEDDED AND CAN BE PLAYED.

>> HOW DO PEOPLE SEE THESE VIDEOS?

>> THOSE ARE ON OUR WEBSITE. SO WE WILL BE PROMOTING THOSE THROUGH THE WILCO WEBSITE. AND SOCIAL MEDIA AS WELL.

>> THANK YOU. >> I'LL GO AHEAD AND MOVE ON THEN WITH THE PROCLAMATION. DO WE HAVE THAT VIDEO?

>> IT SAYS CAN'T DOWNLOAD THE INFORMATION YOU REQUESTED.

>> THAT'S OKAY, WE'LL MOVE ON. >> IF WE CAN GO AHEAD AND CLEAR

THAT. >> WHILE WE ARE WAITING, THERE'S ALSO ALONG THE LINES OF EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS JUST A REMINDER THAT WE HAVE A BLOOD DRIVE GOING ON.

IT STARTED ON THE 27TH AND GOES THROUGH SEPTEMBER EIGHTH.

IF YOU LOOK AT SOME OF THE SOCIAL MEDIA, YOU'LL SEE OUR VERY OWN WITH HIS ARM OUT. IF YOU HAVEN'T HAD A CHANCE TO SIGN UP FOR THAT, THERE IS PLACES ALL OVER THE COUNTY TO GO

TO DONATE BLOOD. >> ON THAT NOTE, KEEP IN MIND, 1 PINT OF BLOOD CAN SAVE UP TO THREE LIVES.

SO IT'S VERY IMPORTANT TO DONATE BLOOD.

>> WHILE THEY WORK ON THAT, I WILL MOVE FORWARD ON THE PROCLAMATION IF I MAY. OUR PROCLAMATION.

WHEREAS THE STATE OF TEXAS HISTORICALLY LEADS THE NATION IN THE NUMBER OF FEDERALLY DECLARED DISASTERS, BE THEY NATURAL HAZARDS, TECHNOLOGICAL OR HUMAN CAUSED, WHEREAS SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH AND IT'S IMPORTANT TO RECOGNIZE THE NEED FOR PREPAREDNESS AND AN OPPORTUNITY TO INFORM AND EDUCATE RESIDENTS, BUSINESSES, SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITIES TO BE MORE PREPARED TO PREVENT, PROTECT AGAINST, RESPOND TO, RECOVER FROM AND MITIGATE AGAINST ALL THREATS AND HAZARDS.

AND WHEREAS WILLIAMSON COUNTY RESIDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO PREPARE A 3-6 DAY DISASTER KIT WHICH SHOULD CONTAIN FOOD, WATER, MEDICINE, AN IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS AND CREATE EMERGENCY PLANS THAT INCLUDE A PLAN WITH EMERGENCY MEETING LOCATIONS, AND WHEREAS SPECIAL PREPAREDNESS CONSIDERATIONS AND STEPS SHOULD BE TAKEN FOR YOUNG CHILDREN, SENIORS, PETS, AND THOSE WITH

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AND WHEREAS IT IS IMPORTANT FOR RESIDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN PREPAREDNESS ACTIVITIES AND ARE ENCOURAGED TO REVIEW PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION AND SIGN UP TO RECEIVE EMERGENCY ALERTS VIA ONE CENTRAL TEXAS.ORG.

TO BECOME KNOWLEDGEABLE AND PREPARED, AND WHEREAS WILLIAMSON COUNTY RESIDENTS ARE URGED TO REMAIN MINDFUL OF THE DANGERS PRESENTED BY NATURAL AND MAN MADE DISASTERS, THE IMPORTANCE OF STAYING INFORMED AND FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS FROM LOCAL OFFICIALS, AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL, AND NOW THEREFORE BE IT PROCLAIMED THE WILLIAMSON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT DECLARES THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2026 TO BE NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH IN HONOR OF THOSE MEN AND WOMEN WHO TRAINED AND PREPARED DAILY FOR THE SAFETY AND WELL-BEING OF THE RESIDENTS OF WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TEXAS.

>> EXCELLENT JOB, BRUCE. WE APPROVE THE PROCLAMATION.

SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COVEY. ALL IN FAVOR? 5-0. HOW ARE WE DOING ON THE VIDEO?

>> WE GOT IT. >> GO AHEAD.

>> IF I MAY JUST DO A QUICK INTRODUCTION ON STAFF.

WE ARE SO BLESSED IN OUR COUNTY TO HAVE THE STAFF THAT WE HAVE.

WE CONTINUE TO GROW, BY THE WAY, AT NO EXPENSE TO THE COUNTY IN SOME CASES AND I'LL LET YOU KNOW A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THAT.

TO MY LEFT IS JAKE ISBELL, OUR DEPUTY WHO I RECRUITED FROM THE CITY OF HUTTO NOT TOO LONG AGO. I'D LIKE TO ASK MY STAFF TO STAND AS I READ THEIR NAMES. SARAH CANFIELD IS OUR OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR. TREY IS ONE OF OUR EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SPECIALISTS. ANTHONY TRIOLO, ALSO AN EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST. AARON MITCHELL, EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST, AND GIGI, WHO'S ALSO AN EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST. WE ALSO HAVE PICTURED TERRI GASKIN, OUR LIAISON FROM THE STATE.

HE'S CURRENTLY DEPLOYED UP NORTH HELPING WITH THE WILDFIRE RESPONSE. WE ALSO HAVE ELLEN MCMILLAN, A RETIRED HOSPITAL CEO, VOLUNTEERING TO HEAD UP OUR DISASTER ALLIANCE. HE'S ORGANIZING THOSE GROUPS AND BRINGING EVERYTHING TOGETHER FOR THEM.

TODAY WE'RE ALSO WELCOMING UNDER A GRANT THAT WE PARTNERED WITH THE CENTRAL TEXAS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION ON.

SHE HELD THE SAME POSITION FOR THE CITY OF NEW ORLEANS, SO COMES WITH RICH EXPERIENCE AND IS GOING TO BE OUR LONG TERM RECOVERY GROUP DIRECTOR. THAT IS OUR STAFF.

>> DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR US FOR THIS EVENING? ANYTHING EXPECTED THAT WE SHOULD BE AWARE OF?

>> RIGHT NOW THE MAIN THING WE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT ARE WILDFIRES, ESPECIALLY WITH THE STORM MOVING TOWARD US THAT'S GOING TO GO A LITTLE BIT TO THE EAST.

WHICH IS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED FOR THE 2011 WILDFIRE.

WE HAD A HURRICANE HIT LOUISIANA AND WE GET THE DRY SIDE AS IT ROTATES. AS DRY AS THINGS ARE RIGHT NOW WE ARE VERY CONCERNED ABOUT WILDFIRE OUTBREAKS.

>> BUT NOT MOISTURE. >> NOT AT THIS TIME.

IT LOOKS LIKE IT'S GOING TO BE TO THE EAST OF US.

>> THE NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER WILL GIVE AN UPDATE AT 11:00 A.M. FOR UPDATED FORECASTING OF ITS IMPACT,

TIMING AND LOCATION. >> THE RADAR SHOWS IT GOING TO

THE EAST COAST. >> THANK YOU GUYS FOR BEING HERE TODAY. WE ARE HONORED TO WORK ALONGSIDE YOU. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR ALL THAT YOU DO. [APPLAUSE]

>> YOU'LL NEVER GET ENOUGH APPRECIATION.

BECAUSE NOT ONLY DO YOU WORK FOR THE COUNTY, BUT YOU WORK WITH THE STATE, CITIES, THEY COME IN ALL FORMS AND SIZES.

IN A LOT OF WAYS YOU ARE OUR FIRST RESPONDERS THAT IN SOME WAYS NEVER QUIT RESPONDING. SO I APPRECIATE EVERYTHING YOU DO. I APPRECIATE JAKE.

I GOT TO WORK WITH JAKE AND GERALD WHEN THE TORNADOES HIT THEIR, I THINK JAKE KNOWS EVERY CORNER OF THE COUNTY AS WELL.

WE APPRECIATE YOU ALL. AS IT GETS HOTTER AND DRIER, YOUR JOBS JUST KEEP GETTING HARDER.

SO I'M GLAD YOU'RE HERE, APPRECIATE ALL OF IT.

>> ANY OTHER COMMENTS? GUYS, I CAN'T STRESS ENOUGH.

I SPEND A LOT OF HOURS WITH THIS TEAM, STANDING IN THE BACK.

THERE IS NOT A BETTER TEAM IN THE STATE OF TEXAS.

THEY HAVE A WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE COMMON KNOWLEDGE, AND TAKE QUICK, DECISIVE ACTION THAT SAVE LIVES EVERY SINGLE DAY.

SO THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR BEING PREPARED, FOR ALWAYS TRAINING.

I KNOW YOU HAVE SOME MORE TRAINING THIS MONTH.

WE WILL SEE YOU OUT AT THE DIAMOND TOMORROW NIGHT, AND HOPEFULLY WE SEE YOU DONATING BLOOD THROUGHOUT THE NEXT COUPLE WEEKS. I THINK LAST TIME IT TOOK 15 MINUTES FROM START TO FINISH. SO IT IS WELL WORTH IT AND THE

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>> CAN WE GET A PICTURE OF THE ENTIRE TEAM? ALL RIGHT. [APPLAUSE]

>> GREAT JOB, APPRECIATE YOU. >> THANK YOU SO MUCH.

[42. Discuss, consider and take appropriate action regarding the 2026 Employee Benefit Fair.]

>> OUR NEXT ITEM IS ITEM 42, DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION REGARDING THE 2026 EMPLOYEE BENEFIT FAIR.

>> SHE'S COMING. >> WELCOME.

>> GOOD MORNING, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS.

I'M EXCITED TO BE HERE TODAY AND WANTED TO GIVE A BIG REMINDER, WE HAVE OUR BENEFIT FAIR COMING UP SEPTEMBER 23RD.

THIS IS SO IMPORTANT, BECAUSE WHEN I LOOKED AT THE ROSTER, I'M MISSING A LOT OF NAMES ON THAT ROSTER.

I NEED YOU TO HELP ME. WE NEED TO GET THIS MESSAGE OUT THAT YOU HAVE TWO WEEKS TO REGISTER.

THE CUT OFF DATE IS 9/11. AND IF YOU'RE NOT REGISTERED, I WON'T HAVE ENOUGH LUNCH. I'M IMPLORING OUR LEADERSHIP, IF YOUR NAME IS NOT ON THAT LIST, PLEASE PUT YOUR NAME ON THAT LIST. THAT HELPS ME GET THE WORD OUT TO THE FIRE DEPARTMENTS. I'VE BEEN PUSHING COMMUNICATIONS BUT I REALLY NEED PEOPLE TO SIGN UP.

YOU'RE GOING TO SEE MY EMAIL LATER THIS AFTERNOON.

THERE'S A GREEN LINK TO PUT YOUR NAME ON.

THAT'S FOR ALL EMPLOYEES AND COVERED SPOUSES.

MORE IMPORTANTLY, THERE'S A LOT OF PREVENTATIVE SCREENING OPPORTUNITIES AT THIS EVENT. THIS YEAR, WE HAVE THE PRIVILEGE OF DOING ONE THAT'S VERY UNIQUE TO THE COUNTY.

WE'VE NEVER DONE IT BEFORE. WE ARE PARTNERING WITH THE WILLIAMSON COUNTY CITIES AND HEALTH DISTRICT.

WE HAVE MANY SLOTS TO FILL. AND THIS IS SO IMPORTANT, BECAUSE THIS IS A TASK THAT CAN HELP DETECT CANCER.

THERE'S 45 DIFFERENT CANCERS. AND THIS IS EARLY CANCER DETECTION JUST IN ADDITION TO THE OTHER CANCER SCREENINGS THAT WE ALREADY DO. BUT THIS CAN HELP MAYBE IDENTIFY A -- SOMETHING THAT MIGHT HAVE FOR EXAMPLE PANCREATIC CANCER, OR LIVER OR LUNG. THIS IS A ONE TIME OPPORTUNITY.

I NEED YOUR HELP TO HELP GET EVERYBODY REGISTERED, REGISTER FOR THE EVENT, AND LOOK AT THE OTHER ACTIVITIES.

PLAN YOUR DAY. I CAN SAY THAT WE HAVE A FEW CHAIR MASSAGE APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE, ESPECIALLY AROUND THE NOON TIME. WE ARE ALSO DOING A BLOOD DRIVE ON THAT DAY. LAST TIME I CHECKED WE HAD 28 SLOTS. SO WE NEED TO FILL THAT UP.

YOU CAN GET YOUR FLU SHOT. SO PLEASE HELP ME GET EVERYBODY SIGNED UP AND ATTEND. IT'S GOING TO BE AN AWESOME EVENT. BUT I NEED YOUR NAME ON THE

LIST. >> Y'ALL HAVE DONE SUCH A GREAT JOB YEAR AFTER YEAR ON THIS. THERE IS NO REASON FOR A COUNTY EMPLOYEE NOT TO BE ABLE TO APPEAR I KNOW IT'S HARD WITH SHIFT WORK AND THINGS LIKE THAT, BUT THERE'S A MORNING AND AN AFTERNOON, SO HOPEFULLY YOU CAN MAKE ONE OF THOSE OPPORTUNITIES.

BUT ALL THE OTHER THINGS BESIDES JUST THE FUN ATMOSPHERE AND ALL THE STUFF THAT YOU CAN LEARN FROM AND GET INFORMATION, IT'S ALL THE OTHER THINGS YOU MENTIONED THAT YOU CAN SIGN UP FOR. WE SHOULD JUMP ON IT BEFORE YOU RUN OUT OF SLOTS. I KNOW I'VE ALREADY SIGNED UP.

>> I WOULD JUST ECHO THOSE COMMENTS.

ESPECIALLY DEPARTMENT HEADS AND ELECTED OFFICIALS, PLEASE MAKE THIS AVAILABLE TO YOUR TEAM. IT IS A GREAT WAY.

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THERE'S ALL KINDS OF RESOURCES THERE TO HELP YOU NAVIGATE THE BENEFITS THAT ARE AVAILABLE TO YOU AND YOUR SPOUSE AS A COVERED INDIVIDUAL ON OUR HEALTH PLAN. IT'S A FUN DAY.

AND I THINK THERE ARE A FEW SPOTS LEFT FOR OUR LEADERSHIP FOLKS TO SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER. SO IF YOU HAVEN'T DONE THAT AND SIGNED UP, YOU CAN DO THE POPCORN BOOTH OR THE PHOTO BOOTH OR A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT THINGS. IT'S A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN MORE AND CONNECT WITH SOME OF YOUR COWORKERS AS WELL.

>> WHAT'S THE THEME THIS YEAR? >> TICKET TO A BETTER HEALTH.

WE HAVE ALL KINDS OF OPPORTUNITIES.

WE HAVE OVER 60 VENDORS FROM ALL TYPES OF MEDICAL SCREENING, MEDICAL CARE SUPPORT, GUIDANCE FOR THOSE PEOPLE LOOKING TO RETIRE AND THEY'RE GOING TO GO INTO MEDICARE.

WE ARE GOING TO HAVE ONE OF THOSE FUNDERS THERE TO ASSIST EMPLOYEES AS WELL. SO IT'S GOING TO BE A PACKED HOUSE. WE LOOK FORWARD TO WELCOMING OUR

EMPLOYEES. >> I WILL SAY TO OUR EMPLOYEES, WE WORK HARD TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY ARE HEALTHY AND OUR BENEFITS KIND OF REFLECT THAT, AND THAT'S PART OF YOUR COMPENSATION. IF YOU'RE NOT UTILIZING THE BENEFITS, YOU'RE SHORTING YOURSELF.

>> AND I'LL JUST ADD, THIS IS FOR ALL EMPLOYEES, WHETHER YOU'RE ENROLLED IN BENEFITS OR NOT.

OUR PHILOSOPHY HAS ALWAYS BEEN, IF WE CAN EARLY DETECT AND SAVE A LIFE, THAT'S OUR NUMBER 1 GOAL.

>> THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU SHELLY.

>> AND FOR THE TEAM HELPING PUT IT ON, IT'S A LOT OF WORK.

[43. 9:30 AM Hold a Public Hearing on the 2026-2027 County Budget.]

>> IT IS. WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING EVERYONE OUT THERE. ALL RIGHT.

AT THIS POINT, ITEM 43. HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE 2026-2027 COUNTY BUDGET. IF THERE'S ANYONE WHO HAS ANY COMMENTS -- COME ON UP, ASHLEY AND SARAH.

IS THERE ANYONE WHO HAS ANY PUBLIC COMMENTS ON THE COUNTY

BUDGET? >> WE DO HAVE A COUPLE OF

ADDITIONAL ADJUSTMENTS. >> WE'LL DO THAT AND THEN WE'LL

HAVE PUBLIC COMMENTS. >> SHELLY, I'M COMING TO LAUNCH.

THAT'S MY RSVP. THANK YOU.

JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS, WHAT YOU HAVE BEFORE YOU IS THE SPREADSHEET FOR TODAY. WE DO HAVE FOUR MORE ITEMS ON THE SHEET. WOULD YOU LIKE FOR ME TO GO

THROUGH THOSE? >> COMMISSIONER LONG, I THINK

THE FIRST IS YOURS. >> THE VEHICLE THAT WE ADDED LAST TIME, I THINK LIKE THAT AFTERNOON IT CAME IN.

WE CAN TAKE THAT ONE OFF. SO I MOVE THAT WE TAKE -- DEDUCT

92,000 -- >> I'M ROUNDING ON ALL MY

NUMBERS, BY THE WAY. >> DO YOU WANT TO TAKE THAT ONE UP? I'LL SECOND THAT.

>> WE HAVE A MOTION, WE HAVE A SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COVEY.

ALL IN FAVOR? CARRIES 5-0.

>> AND THESE RELATE TO, THE NEXT TWO RELATE TO ITEMS ON AGENDA, 49 AND 50. WE TOOK UP AN ITEM RECENTLY IN THE BUDGET HEARING TO MOVE FORWARD WITH ONE OF THE COUNTY LAW JUDGES SALARIES. HE WAS MEETING HIS TENURE A COUPLE DAYS AFTER THE DEADLINE. WE WENT AHEAD AND GAVE HIM THAT TENURE. WHAT I'M PROPOSING TODAY, ITEM 49, I GUESS 50, IS THAT WE LOOK AT THE COUNTY LAW JUDGES AND THE MAGISTRATES TO CONSIDER THE SAME THING THE DISTRICT JUDGES HAVE.

THE JUDGES DO INCREASE THEIR TENURE ANY TIME DURING THE YEAR.

TO KEEP IT SIMPLE -- EASIER, BUT ALSO KEEP US FROM DOING THESE BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS LIKE THIS, AND WHEN DO YOU CUT IT OFF.

ONE OF THE MAGISTRATES WOULD GO TO HIS NEXT TENURE DATE ON THE 26TH OF OCTOBER. THEN THERE'S NOVEMBER.

AND WE COULD JUST KEEP ON AND ON.

MY ITEM ON THE AGENDA, ON THE BUDGET AGENDA IS TO INCREASE THE

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BUT THAT'S ALSO ON THE AGENDA UP HERE SO HOWEVER YOU WANT TO TAKE THAT UP, IF YOU WANT TO DISCUSS THE POLICY OR TALK ABOUT BEFORE

WE VOTE ON THE BUDGET CHANGE. >> LET'S VOTE ON THE BUDGET CHANGE. THEN WE CONSIDER LATER IN THE

AGENDA. >> ALL IN FAVOR?

MOTION CARRIES. >> THE NEXT ONE IS TO REMOVE MERIT FROM THE AJS BUDGET. THEY'RE ON A CAREER LADDER.

SO IT WAS JUST AN OVERSIGHT ON THAT.

IT'S REMOVING 28,826 FROM THE BUDGET.

>> IS THERE A LINE ITEM FOR T THAT?

>> IT'LL JUST COME OUT OF THE MAGISTRATE'S BUDGET AND MERIT

LINE. >> THERE WAS A MOTION.

>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER LONG. ALL IN FAVOR?

MOTION CARRIES 5-0. >> THE LAST ITEM IS TO REPLACE FURNITURE IN THE AMOUNT OF $15,720.

WHAT HAPPENED WAS JUDGE LAMBERTH BROUGHT HER OWN FURNITURE INTO HER OFFICE. WHEN SHE LEFT SHE TOOK THAT WITH HER. WE HAVE A NEW JUDGE STARTING I BELIEVE TOMORROW. SO WE'RE GOING TO FIND FURNITURE FOR HIM, SO THAT'S WHY I'M ADDING IT TO THE BUDGET HERE.

THAT'S MY MOTION. >> I'LL SECOND.

>> MOTION BY COMMISSIONER COVEY, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BOLES.

ALL IN FAVOR? MOTION CARRIES 50.

>> THAT SHOULD COMPLETE ALL OF THE CHANGES.

I THINK WE CAN MOVE TO ITEM 44. >> BEFORE WE DO THAT WE HAVE A FEW COMMENTS. FRANK, YOU HAD YOUR HAND UP FIRST. THE TIME IS 10:06.

>> AND WE ARE CONDUCTING A PUBLIC HEARING.

>> CORRECT. >> GOOD MORNING.

FIRST I'D LIKE TO CONGRATULATE YOU ALL ON HOLDING THE LINE ON THE SPENDING, SO YOUR NEW TAX RATE IS GOING TO BE AT THE NEW REVENUE LEVEL INSTEAD OF SOMETHING HIGHER.

COULD HAVE BEEN SOMETHING LOWER. BUT WE WILL TAKE WHAT WE CAN G GET. SECOND THING IS UNDERSTANDING IS A WHOLE THIRD OF THE BUDGET, HOPEFULLY, IS PAYMENT ON THE DEBT. IS THAT CORRECT? AND MOST OF THAT DEBT IS FUNDS FOR ROAD AND BRIDGE.

IS THAT ALSO CORRECT? HOW MUCH OF THE BUDGET IS ROAD AND BRIDGE WHICH IS ITS OWN BUDGET ITEM.

WHAT PERCENT, ROUGHLY? >> YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT THE

TOTAL BUDGET? >> HOLD ON, I'LL TELL YOU.

>> 10%, SOMETHING LIKE THAT? >> IT IS 10%.

SO THE TOTAL WE ARE SPENDING ON ROAD AND BRIDGE IS ALMOST 50%, LIKE 45 OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT. THAT'S A LOT OF MONEY.

ALMOST HALF OF THE COUNTY BUDGET IS ROADS, EITHER BONDS.

AND THE OTHER QUESTION, IS IT MAINTENANCE ON EXISTING ROAD, OR

IS THAT PART OF ROAD AND BRIDGE? >> IT'S PART OF ROAD AND BRIDGE.

THAT'S THE BULK OF IT. THERE ARE SOME PROJECTS THAT GET DONE OUT OF THAT, BUT FOR THE MOST PART IT'S THE MAINTENANCE

OF ROADS. >> OKAY.

SO IF WE REALLY WANT TO MAKE A BIG DENT IN SPENDING, WE NEED TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT ROADS BESIDES BUILDING NEW ONES ALL THE TIME.

>> WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND? >> I WOULD RECOMMEND FIRST, GETTING YOUR EXCELLENT FINANCIAL PEOPLE, AND YOU'VE GOT GOOD ONES OVER THERE. I'VE SEEN THEM OVER THE YEARS, THEY'RE REALLY WITH IT. HAVE THEM COME UP WITH A PLAN TO REDUCE THE DEBT TO ZERO IN 10-20 YEARS, SOME TIME THAT'S

[00:35:03]

SO FIGURE OUT A WAY TO REDUCE THE DEBT TO ZERO WHICH WILL TAKE A BIG DENT, OVER A THIRD PROBABLY, OF OUR ENTIRE COUNTY BUDGET AT SOME POINT. I WON'T BE AROUND THEN, PROBABLY. BUT AT SOME POINT, THE CITIZENS OF THIS COUNTY WILL BE SPENDING A LOT LESS BECAUSE THEY WON'T

HAVE TO BE PAYING FOR DEBT. >> THAT'S TRUE, HOWEVER THEY KEEP VOTING FOR THE BONDS BECAUSE THEY SEE THE VALUE IN

THE ROADS THAT WE ARE BUILDING. >> THEY SEE THE VALUE OF THE ROADS, BUT I BET MOST OF THE PEOPLE IN THE COUNTY DON'T KNOW THEY'RE SPENDING A THIRD OF THEIR TAX MONEY ON DEBT PAYMENTS, WHICH BUYS THEM NOTHING, REALLY.

>> EXCEPT FOR RONALD REAGAN AND WILLIAM STRIVE, THOSE ARE JUST A COUPLE ROADS IN MY PRECINCT. WILCO HIGHWAY, THE LOOP, THE

BYPASS. >> HERE'S THE THING, IS YOU CAN LIVE DEBT-FREE. I'VE BEEN DOING IT FOR DECADES.

>> I CAN PERSONALLY, BUT IT'S PRETTY HARD WHEN YOU HAVE MILLIONS OF DOLLARS REQUIRED FOR A ROAD.

>> THAT'S WHY YOU NEED TO GET YOUR VERY CAPABLE FINANCIAL PEOPLE TO GIVE YOU SOME GOOD HARD ADVICE ON HOW YOU MIGHT BE ABLE TO DO THAT. AND THERE'S SOME OTHER LONG TERM TRENDS YOU NEED TO KEEP INTO ACCOUNT.

I THINK THE NEED FOR ROADS IN THE FUTURE IS NOT GOING TO BE NEAR AS GREAT AS WE ANTICIPATING NOW BECAUSE OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES.

AT LEAST THREE THINGS. FIRST IT'S GOING TO BE SELF-DRIVING CARS. THOSE WON'T REDUCE THE NUMBER OF CARS ON THE ROAD, BUT THEY WILL MAKE THE CARS THAT ARE ON THE ROAD USE THAT ROAD SPACE MUCH MORE EFFECTIVELY BECAUSE OVER TIME THEY'LL BE COMMUNICATING, THE SPACE BETWEEN THE CARS WILL GET LESS WITHOUT MORE ACCIDENTS. SELF-DRIVING STUFF CAN MAKE MORE HAY OUT OF THE ROADS WE HAVE. SECOND THING, I KNOW TOYOTA FOR ONE AND ALL THE OTHER CAR COMPANIES ARE BECOMING MOBILITY COMPANIES. WHAT THAT MEANS IS THEY'RE GOING ARIEL. INSTEAD OF JUST BEING 2D, WE ARE GOING TO HAVE FLYING CARS. IT'LL BE JUST LOCAL, NOT GOING FROM HERE TO THE WEST COAST OR SOMETHING.

>> MR. Z, I APOLOGIZE, YOUR TIME IS UP.

BUT YOU'VE MADE SOME EXCELLENT POINTS.

ON THE DEBT, ONE THING TO CONSIDER ESPECIALLY AS WE TALK ABOUT ALTERNATE MODES OF TRANSPORTATION, YOU MENTIONED SELF-DRIVING CARS. THERE IS A PUSH THAT'S ALREADY STARTED FOR AIR TAXIS. THAT'S GOING TO BE A VERY COMPLICATED THING TO MANEUVER, AND THERE'S OTHER THINGS AS WELL. BUT JUST KEEP IN MIND, ROADS IS ONE OF OUR MAJOR CORE FUNCTIONS AS A COUNTY.

WE'RE GOING TO DOUBLE IN POPULATION.

WE ALREADY HAVE SOME PINCH POINTS IN TRAFFIC, SO WE'RE GOING TO NEED TO CONTINUE TO INCREASE THE MOBILITY OF OUR CITIZENS. WHATEVER TECHNOLOGY MAY BRING IN THAT REALM AND IS BECOMING MORE EXPENSIVE.

SO WE ARE VERY CONCERNED ABOUT OUR DEBT.

WE ARE BUILDING MORE ROADS THAN A LOT OF OTHER PLACES, A LOT OF OTHER STATES. BUT I APPRECIATE YOUR ATTENTION TO DETAIL, FOCUSING ON THE DEBTS AND THE COMPLIMENTS TO OUR

FINANCE COMMITTEE. >> AND GETTING THE IT DEPARTMENT TO HELP OUT THE FINANCIAL PEOPLE.

>> I'LL JUST ADD ONE THING. I APPRECIATE THAT YOU COME CONSISTENTLY AND PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT WE ARE DOING.

THIS YEAR ALONE WE ARE PAYING MORE THAN $10 MILLION OFF EARLY.

WE CONTINUED TO DO THAT, WE'VE BEEN DOING THAT FOR YEARS AND SAVING OVER HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN INTEREST.

I'M BIG ON LOWERING THE DEBT TO, BUT THIS BUILDING WOULDN'T HAVE BEEN BUILT. JUST THE MAGNITUDE OF IT.

THE OTHER ALTERNATIVE IS TO RAISE THE TAX RATE IN ORDER TO COVER IT. I DON'T THINK ANYBODY HERE WANTS THAT. I THINK PAYING IT OUT OVER TIME IS WHAT WE'VE CHOSEN TO DO. SO THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR

COMMENTS TODAY. >> EXCELLENT POINTS, THANK YOU.

>> BILL KEVALA, WILLIAMSON COUNTY.

IN MY DAYS IN THE PRODUCTION INDUSTRY AND ALSO IN MY BUDGETS AND MILITARY I'VE DONE ALL MY LIFE, MY PRIMARY APPROACH TO DOING BUDGETS MEANS YOU HAVE TO JUSTIFY THE SPENDING BEFORE YOU START ROLLING THE NUMBERS. ONE OF MY EARLY DAYS WITH TEXAS INSTRUMENTS, I WAS IN CHARGE OF THE MAIN PRODUCTION LINE IN KENTUCKY, AND A SMALLER PRODUCTION LINE NEXT TO ME HAD ISSUES OF GETTING PRODUCT OUT AND THEY KEEP ADDING PEOPLE AND ADDING RESOURCES UNTIL ONE DAY THE PRODUCTION LINE STOPPED BECAUSE IT COULDN'T MOVE. AT THE SAME TIME, MY OPERATION

[00:40:03]

SO YOU NEED TO FIND GOOD MANAGEMENT IN ALL THESE AREAS.

ALSO PLAYING A GAME WITH STATISTICS AND JUSTIFYING ALL KINDS OF THINGS, MEDIUM VERSUS AVERAGE.

THESE ANALYZES NEED TO BE DONE WHERE THEY'RE ACTUALLY APPLICABLE, NOT BEING USED TO JUSTIFY BUDGETS.

ZERO BASED BUDGETING IS A KEY ISSUE.

YOU HAVE 57% OF THE GENERAL FUND, 10.5% ROAD AND BRIDGE AND DEBT, 32.6%. WHEN YOU ACTUALLY GET DOWN AND LOOK AT THE NUMBERS, OVER HALF OF THE ENTIRE BUDGET IS ALL FOCUSED ON SUBSIDIZING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OUT OF TAXPAYER WALLETS. AND ROADS, EVERY TIME YOU BUILD A ROAD YOU HAVE TO DEVELOP FOUR OR FIVE RED LIGHTS.

HAVING BEEN A RESIDENT SINCE 1979 IN WILLIAMSON COUNTY, IT NOW TAKES ALMOST TWICE AS LONG TO DRIVE ACROSS THE COUNTY YOU BUILD MORE ROADS, AND EVERYTHING JUST CONTINUES TO SLOW DOWN.

POLLUTION GOES UP AND QUALITY OF LIGHTS GO DOWN -- QUALITY OF LIFE GOES DOWN. WE'VE GOT ALL THIS GREAT GROWTH IN JOBS AND EVERYTHING ELSE, BUT WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE BIG PICTURE, THE TOTAL ANALYSIS, IT'S NOT ALL THAT GREAT.

BUT BACK TO MANAGING BUDGETS. I'VE ALWAYS TAKEN OVER VARIOUS JOBS IN THE PAST AND DECREASED BUDGETS AND INCREASED PERFORMANCE. THAT'S SOMETHING THE GOVERNMENT DOESN'T DO, THEY JUST KEEP GETTING BIGGER AND BIGGER AND BIGGER. AND QUALITY DOESN'T GO UP.

>> I WANT TO ADD THAT BUSINESSES AND COMMERCIAL THAT WE'VE BROUGHT INTO THE COUNTY HAVE HELPED US BE ABLE TO ADD TO THE EXEMPTIONS AND INCREASE THEM A SIZABLE AMOUNT OVER THE TIME I'VE BEEN IN OFFICE AT LEAST. BESIDES THE EXEMPTIONS, WHEN PROPERTY VALUES HAVE GONE DOWN THIS YEAR ON RESIDENTIAL, WE ARE NOT HAVING TO RAISE YOUR TAXES BECAUSE OF THAT.

I APPRECIATE YOUR TIME IS UP BUT I JUST WANTED TO MAKE THAT COMMENT THAT I THINK IT'S A GOOD THING WE ARE BRINGING IN BUSINESSES THAT ALLOWS US TO NOT HAVE THE TAX BURDEN ON THE HO HOMES. THEY'RE IN A BAD PLACE RIGHT NOW. BECAUSE THEY DON'T HAVE THE COMMERCIAL OR THE INDUSTRIES THAT WE HAVE.

THEIR WHOLE TAX BURDEN IS ON THE FEW HOMES THAT THEY HAVE.

IT DOESN'T MEAN THEIR COSTS GO DOWN.

ANYWAY, I APPRECIATE YOUR TIME. THANK YOU.

>> I REMEMBER THE BIG REAL ESTATE BUST IN THE MID 80S. WE HAVE A DOWNTURN NOW BECAUSE

OF HOW WE MANAGE OUR GOVERNMENT. >> THANK YOU.

[44. Discuss, consider and take appropriate action on the 2026-2027 General Fund Budget.]

WE WILL MOVE TO ITEM 44, DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION ON THE 26TH-27 GENERAL FUND BUDGET.

>> JUDGE, I'LL MOVE TO APPROVE THE GENERAL FUND BUDGET IN THE AMOUNT OF $405,648,214. I BELIEVE THAT'S CORRECT.

>> I'LL SECOND THAT ANY DISCUSSION?

>> WE HAVE A RECORD VOTE. IS THAT RIGHT?

>> ALL RIGHT. I JUST WANT TO SAY BEFORE WE VOTE, HOW MUCH I APPRECIATE OUR BUDGET TEAM AND THE WORK OF EVERYBODY IN THE COUNTY WHO'S WORKED HARD IN THIS BUDGET.

WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE PRIORITIES OF THIS BUDGET, PUBLIC SAFETY, ROADS AND LOWERING TAXES WERE THE THREE THINGS I WANTED TO ACCOMPLISH, AND WE'VE DONE THAT. WHEN YOU LOOK AT OUR COMMUNITY SURVEY, OUR CITIZENS HAVE ASKED FOR US TO CONTINUE TO FOCUS ON PUBLIC SAFETY AND ROADS. SO WE ARE IN ALIGNMENT.

AND THERE'S A BIG COMMITMENT TO PUBLIC SAFETY, ADDING OFFICERS AND EQUIPMENT TO KEEP US SAFE AND ADDED EMPLOYEES TO ROAD AND BRIDGE AS WELL, SO WE CAN FIX THOSE ROADS IN A TIMELY MANNER.

IT'S POSSIBLE WE'RE ALSO ABLE TO GIVE EMPLOYEES AND LAW ENFORCEMENT RAISES. SO VERY HAPPY WITH THIS BUDGET, AND ABLE TO HOLD TYPE WITH THE NO NEW REVENUE AS MR. LETOFSKY

[00:45:02]

>> PRECINCT ONE VOTES YES. >> PRECINCT TWO.

>> YES. >> PRECINCT THREE?

[45. Discuss, consider and take appropriate action on the 2026-2027 Road and Bridge Fund Budget.]

>> YES. >> PRECINCT FOUR.

>> YES. >> AND COUNTY JUDGES YES.

THANK YOU. MOVING ON TO 45.

DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION ON THE 2026-2027 ROAD AND BRIDGE FUND BUDGET.

>> I'LL MOVE TO APPROVE ROAD AND BRIDGE FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF 75,006,362. THAT'S 7-5-006.

>> I WILL SECOND. ANY DISCUSSION ON ROAD AND BRIDGE? AGAIN A RECORD VOTE IS NEEDED

PRECINCT ONE. >> YES.

>> PRECINCT TWO. >> YES.

>> PRECINCT THREE. >> YES.

>> PRECINCT FOUR. >> YES.

>> AND COUNTY JUDGES YES MOTION CARRIES.

>> JUST A SECOND, I HAVE A COMMENT ON THAT.

BECAUSE OF THE CONVERSATION ABOUT DEBT, JUST SO THAT YOU KNOW, THAT BUDGET IS WHAT IT IS BECAUSE TO A GREAT EXTENT IT'S NOT JUST ROAD MAINTENANCE, WE'RE ACTUALLY DOING SOME SMALLER PROJECTS OUT OF OUR LEVY SO THAT WE CANNOT HAVE TO PUT THEM INTO DEBT. SO I THINK THAT'S A GREAT PLAN.

WE STARTED DOING THAT SEVERAL YEARS AGO AND I FEEL LIKE IT'S THE RIGHT THING TO DO. I JUST WANTED TO MAKE THAT COMMENT BECAUSE I DON'T THINK THE GENERAL PUBLIC WOULD KNOW THAT THAT'S WHAT'S ALSO INCLUDED IN THAT $75 MILLION.

>> IN THE $75 MILLION BUDGET, WE ADDED SEVEN NEW POSITIONS.

I THINK I SAID TEN BUT IT'S SEVEN NEW POSITIONS.

IT'S 10 MILLION FOR THE LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN, WHICH GOES TO BUYING RIGHT OF WAY FOR FUTURE ROADS.

IT'S 968,000 FOR RADIO REPLACEMENT.

YOU'LL PROBABLY SEE IN OUR BUDGETS WHERE THERE'S LAW ENFORCEMENT EMERGENCY SERVICE ROADS, THERE'S A LOT OF CAPITAL EXPENSES. IT'S $12.7 MILLION IN CAPITAL PROJECTS. AND THEN THERE'S VEHICLE REPLACEMENT ALONG THE WAY, SO THERE'S 2 MILLION INCLUDED FOR VEHICLE REPLACEMENT FOR MAINTENANCE OF ROADS.

[46. Discuss, consider and take appropriate action on the 2026-2027 Debt Service Fund Budget.]

SO MOVING ON TO ITEM 46. DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION ON THE 26-27 DEBT SERVICE FUND BUDGET.

>> DO WE TAKE A RECORD VOTE? >> WE DID.

WE ARE CAUGHT UP. >> I JUST WANTED TO CONFIRM.

>> WE ARE ON THE NEXT ITEM. SO I DO NEED A MOTION ON THE

DEBT SERVICE FUND BUDGET. >> I'LL MOVE TO APPROVE THE DEBT SERVICE FUND OF 232 MILLION, 288,039.

THAT'S 232,288,039. >> I WILL SECOND THAT.

ANY COMMENTS? WE WILL NEED A RECORD VOTE ON

THIS AS WELL. >> PRECINCT ONE IS YES.

>> PRECINCT TWO? >> YES.

>> PRECINCT THREE? >> YES.

[47. Discuss, consider, and take appropriate action regarding the adoption of the 2026 Tax Rates for Williamson County General Fund (M&O), Debt Service (I&S), and Road and Bridge(R/FM) Funds.]

>> PRECINCT FOUR? AND COUNTY JUDGES YES MOTION CARRIES 5-0. ITEM NUMBER 47, DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION REGARDING THE ADOPTION OF THE 2026 TAX RATES FOR WILLIAMSON COUNTY GENERAL FUND M AND OH, DEBT SERVICE INS AND ROAD AND BRIDGE FUNDS.

I BELIEVE WE HAVE JULIE HERE. >> I CAN GO AHEAD AND MAKE A

MOTION IF YOU LIKE. >> JUDGE, I MOVE THE TAX TAX RATE,... 42.150 $0.07 FOR $100 OF VALUATION, WHICH IS EFFECTIVELY A ZERO INCREASE IN THE TAX RATE, BEING COMPRISED OF THE FOLLOWING RATE AND I'LL DO THESE SEPARATELY AS WE NEED TO TAKE A RECORD VOTE.

A MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS RATE OF 22.3301 CENTS PER $100

OF VALUATION. >> THAT WAS A RATE FOR --

>> THIS IS FOR THE GENERAL FUND. >> IF WE DO, THEN GREAT.

MY MOTION ALSO INCLUDES A DEBT SERVICE FUND TAX RATE OF 15.791 $0.07 PER 100 VALUATION AND A ROAD AND BRIDGE FUND TAX RATE OF 4.032 $0.09 PER $100 OF VALUATION.

>> I'LL SECOND THAT AS WELL. DISCUSSION OR CLARIFICATION,

JULIE IS HERE. >> I THINK SHE GAVE US A WEEK OR TWO AGO SOME INFORMATION, IF YOU COMPARE THIS RATE TO THE AVERAGE

[00:50:06]

THAT'S WHAT IT WOULD BE FOR 2027, AND THAT IS LOWER THAN IT WAS LAST YEAR BY ABOUT $50. SO IT'S ACTUALLY A PROPERTY TAX DECREASE. THE RATE WENT UP, BUT THE ACTUAL

COSTS BECAUSE OF THE VALUATIONS. >> THAT PARTICULAR AMOUNT IS COMPARING THE MEDIAN HOME VALUE AND WHAT WAS ADVERTISED REQUIRED IS THE AVERAGE. I KNOW THAT CAN BE CONFUSING, BUT JUST TO CLARIFY, THAT IS A NEW TRIGGER POINT THAT WILL BE

INCLUDED IN THE INFORMATION. >> SO MEDIAN IS AROUND $46 REDUCTION. AVERAGE IS AROUND 28% REDUCTION.

SO WE ARE SEEING FOR THE TYPICAL HOMESTEAD REDUCTION A 1.47% ON THEIR TAX RATE AND THE VALUES WERE DECREASED BY 3.3%, ALL LEADING TO A REDUCTION IN YOUR COUNTY TAX BILL.

>> THAT IS CORRECT. >> ALL RIGHT.

ANY QUESTIONS ON THAT? AND WE ARE GOING TO DO A RECORD VOTE AGAIN ON NUMBER 47, SO PRECINCT ONE.

>> PRECINCT ONE VOTES YES. >> PRECINCT TWO --

>> DID WE GET A SECOND? >> YES.

PRECINCT TWO? >> YES.

>> PRECINCT THREE. >> YES.

>> FOUR. >> YES.

>> AND THE COUNTY JUDGES YES. >> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>> AND LET ME JUST SAY WITH THE TRANSITION WITH LARRY LEAVING AND KAT COMING IN, THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR WORK AND MAKING IT

HAPPEN THIS YEAR. >> JUST AS A REMINDER, PROBABLY NEXT YEAR THE COURT WILL WANT TO LOOK AT -- WE KIND OF COMMITTED TO ABOUT EVERY FIVE YEARS LOOKING AT THE HOMESTEAD EXEMPTIONS. SO THAT'S SOMETHING THAT I WON'T BE HERE TO LEAD THE CHARGE ON, BUT I WOULD JUST ENCOURAGE YOU ALL TO LOOK AT THAT NEXT YEAR AND SEE IF ANY ADJUSTMENTS ARE

NECESSARY. >> INCREASING POSSIBLY THE

COUNTY HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION? >> IT'S 5% ON THE GENERAL HOMESTEAD, AND THERE'S DIFFERENT AMOUNTS FOR SENIORS AND DISABLED PERSONS. WE HAD COMMITTED TO LOOKING AT THAT FOR FIVE YEARS, AND THAT WILL BE NEXT YEAR.

>> AND LET ME JUST SAY, CONGRATULATIONS COMMISSIONER LONG ON YOUR 20TH BUDGET AND TAX RATE SESSION.

>> FORTIETH AND LAST. LEAVING ON A GOOD NOTE.

[48. Discuss, consider and take appropriate action regarding a request of the Treasurer's Office to pay out compensatory time accrued by a non-exempt staff position.]

MOVING ON TO 48, DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION REGARDING A REQUEST OF THE TREASURER'S OFFICE TO PAY OUT COMPENSATORY TIME ACCRUED BY NONEXEMPT STAFF POSITIONS.

>> GOOD MORNING. JULIE KYLIE, COUNTY AUDITOR.

I PLACED THIS ITEM ON THE AGENDA IN RELATION TO BEING THE PROJECT SPONSOR. THERE'S A STAFF PERSON IN THE TREASURER'S OFFICE, THEY HAD A RETIREMENT EARLIER THIS YEAR AND THE ONE PARTICULAR STAFF PERSON IS HEAVILY INVOLVED IN THE WOW PROJECT. THEIR COMP TIME HAS GOTTEN TO BEING ABLE TO TAKE THEIR VACATION TIME.

WORKING WITH MR. HAZELMYER, HE DOES HAVE AVAILABLE SALARY FUNDS IN HIS BUDGET DUE TO THE RETIREMENT AND TURNOVER.

SO WE WOULD ASK TO PAY THIS OUT THIS ONE TIME, AND WE ARE LOOKING ON A PLAN TO HELP GET TO A GOOD PLACE.

>> WE HAVE A CEILING. >> AND THERE'S ALSO A POLICY THAT SAYS YOU'VE GOT TO TAKE YOUR COMPENSATORY TIME BEFORE YOU CAN TAKE THE VACATION TIME. SO UNFORTUNATELY THE NEED TO HAVE THAT INDIVIDUAL AVAILABLE TO THE PROJECT IS PREVENTING THAT FROM HAPPENING RIGHT NOW. WE ARE WRAPPING UP IN TESTING, HOPING THAT INDIVIDUAL SHOULD BE ABLE TO TAKE OFF PRIOR TO GOING LIVE IN JANUARY AS JANUARY WILL BE VERY BUSY.

>> I MOTION WE APPROVE THIS ITEM.

>> SECOND. >> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COOK.

ALL IN FAVOR? MOTION CARRIES 5-0.

[49. Discuss, consider and take appropriate action on an increase to the position budget for Position Control Number 1668 within the Magistrate's Department for Fiscal Year 2027 in the amount of $19,317.38.]

[00:55:02]

ITEM 49, DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION ON AN INCREASE TO THE POSITION BUDGET FOR POSITION CONTROL --

>> WE ALREADY DID THAT. >> WE HAVEN'T TAKEN A VOTE.

>> I HAVE 5-0. >> THAT WAS UNDER NUMBER 44.

>> SO THIS IS KIND OF RATIFYING WHAT WE DID.

SO WE HAVE A MOTION AND SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR?

>> WAS THAT A YES? 5-0.

[50. Discuss, consider, and take appropriate action on a policy regarding the timing of tenure increases for County Court at Law Judges and Associate Judges.]

I'LL MAKE A MOTION WE APPROVED. >> SECOND.

>> ANY DISCUSSION? ALL IN FAVOR?

MOTION CARRIES 5-0. >> THAT'LL NEED TO BE ADDED IN

[51. Discuss, consider and take appropriate action on the Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Budget Order.]

THE BUDGET. >> YES.

ITEM 51, CONSIDER AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION ON THE FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027 BUDGET ORDER.

>> THE GOOD THING IS WE DON'T HAVE TO FINISH THIS TODAY.

IT'S A LIVING BREATHING DOC DOCUMENT.

>> AND ALL MEMBERS OF THE COURT WERE SENT THE ORDER ADOPTING THE BUDGET. ANY QUESTIONS, WE CAN ENTERTAIN THAT IF THERE'S A MOTION TO APPROVE AS IS OR AS PRESENTED.

>> CAN SOMEBODY PERHAPS JUST RUN OVER FOR THE PUBLIC, THE

CHANGES? >> THERE'S A RED LINE VERSION THAT WE RECEIVED AS WELL. A LOT OF IT IS KIND OF CLEAN UP OF THINGS THAT WE VOTED ON AT DIFFERENT TIMES DURING THE BUDGET. I DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING IN THERE

THAT WE UPDATED. >> SO YOU HAVE SOME CLEAN UPS TO SUPPLEMENTAL PAY. IF YOU LOOK THROUGH THE BUDGET ORDER FOR BOTH THE AUDITOR'S OFFICE, A LOT OF RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY HUMAN RESOURCES. THERE ARE SOME REDUCTIONS IN THERE THAT WEREN'T NEEDED. THERE'S AN ADD ON THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE. THEN WE UPDATED THE NUMBER OF POSITIONS BASED ON THE BUDGET ORDER.

THAT'S THE MAJORITY OF THE RED LINE.

YOU GET TOWARD THE BACK, IT'S GOT SOME VEHICLE UPDATES FROM SOME DECISIONS WE MADE PRIOR ON OUR VEHICLE POLICIES AND FLEET POLICIES AS IT APPLIES TO PUBLIC SAFETY, THE CONSTABLE'S AND SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND THEN YOU'VE GOT THE CELL PHONE POLICY REMOVED AND CHANGED, AND JUST SOME DATES, CHANGES AS COMMISSIONER LONG MENTIONED, JUST UPDATING DATES AND NUMBERS.

SO NOT A LOT OF SUBSTANTIAL CHANGES IN THE BUDGET ORDER.

>> AND BASED ON THE VOTE PAGE 15 WILL CHANGE.

>> YES. >> ONE POINT OF CLARIFICATION.

THERE ARE TWO ITEMS THAT PERTAIN TO THE ON CALL SPOT.

WHAT WAS RECOMMENDED IN THE BUDGET AND BY HR IS TO PAY THE $100 PER WEEK FOR HALF THE TEAM, AND THERE'S A SECOND LINE UNDERNEATH WHERE IT SAYS THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE IS REQUESTING PAY FOR THE ENTIRE TEAM. WE SPOKE WITH THEM YESTERDAY.

HE'S PERFECTLY HAPPY WITH THE RECOMMENDATION.

>> AND THAT'S WHAT YOU BUDGETED FOR.

>> YES. >> WITH THAT CLARIFICATION I'LL MOVE APPROVAL OF THE PRESENTED BUDGET ORDER, INCLUDING THE 12.

>> I'LL SECOND. >> MOTION BY COMMISSIONER LONG SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COOK. ANY OTHER COMMENTS?

>> JUST THAT WE'LL COME BACK WITH THE CHANGE WE MADE IF WE NEED TO PUT THAT IN THE BUDGET ORDER.

FOR NEXT TIME. >> ALL IN FAVOR?

[52. Discuss, consider and take appropriate action on approving the Interlocal Agreement #2027-018, between Williamson County and Department of Public Safety (DPS) for Crime Laboratory Services, for a four (4) year term ending on September 30, 2030, with the not-to-not-exceed amount of $1,644,552.60, and authorizing the execution of the agreement (Funding source: 01.0100.0560.004100 beginning FY27).]

DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION ON APPROVING THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT 2027-018, BETWEEN WILLIAMSON COUNTY AND THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY FOR CRIME, LABORATORY SERVICES FOR A FOUR YEAR TERM ENDING SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2030 WITH THE NOT TO EXCEED AMOUNT OF $1,644,552.60, AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF THE AGREEMENT WITH

[01:00:02]

THE FUNDING SOURCE LISTED. >> I MOVE TO APPROVE.

THIS IS WHAT WE'VE DONE IN THE PAST, AND IT'S FOUR YEARS.

>> I'LL SECOND IT. AND JUST A SHOUT OUT, THIS WAS SOMETHING THAT WE WERE NOT GETTING SUPER RESPONSIVE TIMES FROM DPS A NUMBER OF YEARS AGO IN TERMS OF THINGS BEING SENT TO THE LAB, AND UNDER SHERIFF WILSON, STARTED ESTABLISHING THIS TO ALLOW US TO GET MORE TIMELY RETURNS ON THINGS THAT WE

SENT. >> MOTION AND SECOND.

[53. Discuss, consider, and take appropriate action on awarding RFSQ #26RFSQ31 to Todd. C. Harris, P. A, (Harris Dental) for Jail Inmate Dental Services for Williamson County Corrections Department in the amount of $256,000 per year, with an initial term of four years, and authorize execution of this agreement. (Funding source is 01.0100.0570.003317 for FY 2027.]

ITEM 53, DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION ON AWARDING RFSQ NUMBER 26, TO TODD C. HARRIS, PA.

IN THE AMOUNT OF 256,000 PER YEAR WITH AN INITIAL TERM OF FOUR YEARS AND AUTHORIZE THE AGREEMENT AND THE EXECUTION OF THE AGREEMENT TO THE FUNDING SOURCES.

>> THIS DOESN'T FUND ANY OF THAT SPECIAL STUFF.

THIS IS BARE BONES, BASIC DENTAL WORK.

IS THIS AN UP TO AMOUNT? >> IT IS, RIGHT?

I'LL MOVE TO APPROVE. >> SECOND.

>> MOTION BY COMMISSIONER COVEY, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COOK.

[54. Discuss, consider, and take appropriate action on approving a three-year (3) Master Service Agreement #2027-014 between Williamson County and GTS Technology Inc. for as-needed information technology products and services in the amount of $3,000,000.00 annually utilizing various cooperative contracts as noted and authorizing the execution of the agreement.]

ITEM NUMBER 54, I THINK WE HAVE RICHARD HERE TO PRESENT.

DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION ON APPROVING A THREE YEAR MASTER SERVICE AGREEMENT, 2027-014 BETWEEN WILLIAMSON COUNTY AND GTS TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED FOR AS NEEDED PRODUCTS AND SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT OF UTILIZING VARIOUS COOPERATIVE CONTACTS IN THE AUTHORIZATION OF THIS AGREEMENT.

>> GOOD MORNING, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS.

RICHARD SEMPLE, TECHNOLOGY SERVICES AND TECH SUPPORT.

WE ARE EXCITED TO BE ABLE TO LAUNCH THIS EFFORT WITH GTS.

WHAT WE ARE GOING TO BE DOING GOING FORWARD IS INSTEAD OF DEPARTMENTS CONTACTING TECHNOLOGY SERVICES, REQUESTING A QUOTE FOR COMPUTERS, A LOT OF BACK AND FORTH ON BUDGETS AND AMOUNTS AND PURCHASE TIMING AND WAITING FOR A BULK ORDER THAT USED TO YIELD SOME SIGNIFICANT SAVINGS BUT NOW DOESN'T WITH THE HIGH PRICE OF ESPECIALLY CHIPS. WE ARE SEEING THE MARGINS GET SLIM, NOT GETTING A LOT OF SAVINGS.

WHAT WE ARE MOVING TO IS DEPARTMENTS WILL BE ABLE TO GO ON TO A SPECIAL SITE BUILT BY GTS THAT WOULD BE DELL COMPUTERS AND ASSOCIATED ACCESSORIES AND HOPEFULLY SOME OTHER ACUTE -- COMPUTER EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES AND DEPARTMENTS WOULD BE ABLE TO GO ON AND ORDER THINGS THEMSELVES.

THEY'D BE ABLE TO GENERATE A QUOTE FROM THEIR, DO A PO, PUT IT THROUGH THE SAME PROCESS. SO THE EQUIPMENT WILL STILL SHIP TO TECHNOLOGY SERVICES AND GET DELIVERED THE SAME WAY.

IT'S JUST WE ARE GOING TO CUT OUT THE MIDDLEMAN, AND WE DON'T HAVE TO BE IN THE MIDDLE OF EVERY QUOTE BECAUSE EVERYTHING ON THE SITE WILL BE APPROVED ALREADY BY US.

SO WE REVIEW IT, PUBLISH IT WITH GTS, AND FOLKS PLACE THEIR ORDER

THROUGH GTS. >> BUT IT'S STILL GOING TO SHOW

UP IN THAT BUDGET. >> CORRECT.

DEPARTMENTS STILL NEED TO HAVE IT IN THEIR BUDGET.

>> HOW WILL THE BUDGET BE IMPACTED?

>> THAT'S A NOT TO EXCEED AMOUNT.

>> IT'S NOT A FEE TO THEM, WE ARE JUST BUYING IT THROUGH THEM.

>> CORRECT. WHAT WE'VE DONE IS WE USED TO BUY DELL DIRECT FOR CLIENT COMPUTERS AND ACCESSORIES.

WE'VE MOVED THAT TO GTS. THERE'S NO ADDITIONAL COST FOR THAT. SO NOW GTS HAS BUILT THIS SITE FOR US, AND AS PRICE CHANGES AND UNFORTUNATELY PRICES ARE CHANGING RAPIDLY. THE QUOTES WE'VE BEEN GETTING FOR A LOT OF COMPUTERS AND EQUIPMENT ARE 14 DAYS OR LESS.

WITH THAT KIND OF TURNAROUND, WE NEEDED A FASTER PROCESS TO MAKE IT EASIER ON DEPARTMENTS TO SEE WHAT THEY'LL BE ABLE TO AFFORD.

>> SO THEY'RE KIND OF STILL THE MIDDLE MAN.

IT'S NOT COSTING US ANYTHING TO DO THAT?

>> THEY DO GET A MARGIN FROM DELL BUT NORMALLY THEY WILL KEEP THAT DIRECT. SO AUTHORIZE USERS FROM EACH DEPARTMENT COME WHOEVER IS SET UP TO DO REQUISITION TO BE ABLE TO GO TO THE SITE, BUILD THEIR QUOTES, THE SAME PROCESS.

[01:05:01]

IT'S AROUND $2 MILLION. WE GAVE IT SOME CUSHION BECAUSE

IT'S A THREE YEAR AGREEMENT. >> SO THERE'S REALLY NO BUDGET IMPACT. WE ARE JUST DOING IT IN A DIFFERENT PROCESS. IT'S STILL THE BUDGETED AMOUNT FOR DEPARTMENTS AS ASHLEY AND TEAMS HAVE FIGURED OUT WHAT

COMPUTERS ARE NEEDED. >> EXACTLY.

>> OKAY. APPRECIATE THE EXPLANATION.

JUST LOOKS LIKE A REALLY BIG NUMBER.

>> IT IS A LARGE NUMBER. BUT IT'S WITHIN WHAT'S ALREADY APPROVED IN BUDGET. THIS WILL JUST MAKE THE WHOLE

PROCESS FASTER. >> SOMEBODY HAS GOT TO KEEP UP WITH THE WEBSITE TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY'RE APPROVED.

>> YES. WE GO THROUGH AND APPROVE EVERY ITEM ON THEIR, AND WE APPROVE WHEN PRICES CHANGE AND GO

THROUGH THAT. >> THANK YOU.

APPRECIATE IT. >> ANY MORE QUESTIONS FOR

RICHARD? >> MOVE TO APPROVE.

>> MOTION BY COMMISSIONER COVEY, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER LONG.

ALL IN FAVOR? MOTION CARRIES 50.

[55. Discuss, consider, and take appropriate action on that certain Williamson County Exposition Center License Agreement between Williamson County, Texas and the Williamson County Fair Association, Inc. (WCFA), granting permission to the WCFA to use areas of the Williamson County Exposition Center for the purpose of an annual fair and rodeo.]

DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION ON CERTAIN WILLIAMSON COUNTY EXPOSITION CENTER LICENSE AGREEMENTS BETWEEN WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TEXAS AND WILLIAMSON COUNTY FAIR ASSOCIATION INCORPORATED, WCFA, GRANTING PERMISSION TO THE WCFA TO USE AREAS OF WILLIAMSON COUNTY EXPO CENTER FOR THE PURPOSE OF ITS ANNUAL FAIR AND RODEO.

>> THIS IS JUST LEADING TO AN ANNUAL AGREEMENT WITH THE EXPO CENTER. THEY ARE PAYING THE RATES OFF THE RATE SHEET, THIS IS JUST FORMALIZING IT.

>> MOVED TO APPROVE. >> SECOND.

>> MOTION TO APPROVE BY COMMISSIONER BOLES, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COVEY. ALL IN FAVOR?

[56. Discuss, consider, and take appropriate action on approving the Agreement for Construction Services No. 2026-284 between Williamson County and G2 Construction Services, Inc. for the Round Rock A & B Parking Lot Replacement, in the not-to-exceed amount of Two Hundred Twelve Thousand Dollars ($212,000.00), pursuant to Cooperative Contract #TIPS 241001, and authorize execution of the agreement. (Funding source: 01.0100.0509.004509.)]

[57. Discuss, consider, and take appropriate action on approving the Agreement for Construction Services No. 2026-286 between Williamson County and G2 Construction Services, Inc. for the Emergency Management System (EMS) Training Center Parking Lot Refresh, in the not-to-exceed amount of One Hundred Sixty Thousand Dollars ($160,000.00), pursuant to Cooperative Contract #TIPS 241001, and authorize execution of the agreement (Funding source is 01.0100.0509.004509).]

ITEM 56 AND 57 BOTH DEAL WITH FACILITIES.

ITEM 56 IS DISCUSSED, CONSIDER, TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION ON APPROVING THE AGREEMENT FOR CONSTRUCTION SERVICES NUMBER 2026-284 BETWEEN WILLIAMSON COUNTY AND G2 CONSTRUCTION SERVICES INCORPORATED FOR THE ROUND ROCK A AND B PARKING LOT REPLACEMENT NOT TO EXCEED AMOUNT OF $20,212,000 PURSUANT TO THE COOPERATIVE CONTRACT AND AUTHORIZED THE EXECUTION OF THE AGREEMENT.

AND ITEM NUMBER 57 IS APPROVING THE AGREEMENT FOR CONSTRUCTION SERVICES NUMBER 2026-286 BETWEEN WILLIAMSON COUNTY AND G2 CONSTRUCTION SERVICES FOR THE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM TRAINING CENTER PARKING LOT REFRESH NOT TO EXCEED $160,000.

>> I'LL MOVE TO APPROVE ITEMS 56 AND 57.

>> I'LL SECOND. >> MOTION BY COMMISSIONER COVEY, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COOK. ALL IN FAVOR?

>> I'LL JUST SAY, THEY REDID OUR ANNEX PARKING LOT AND WHOEVER

[58. Discuss, consider and take appropriate action on transferring $100,000.00 from P733 (Misc Signal Construction) to P754 (Ronald Reagan Blvd/RM 2338 Traffic Signal Improvements).]

[59. Discuss, consider and take appropriate action on transferring $100,000.00 from P702 (CR 267) to P499 (CR 201 Phase 1).]

[60. Discuss, consider and take appropriate action on a Traffic Signal Cost-Sharing Agreement between Williamson County and Parmer Ranch Retail, Ltd.]

[61. Discuss, consider and take appropriate action regarding change order #1 for Project 26IFB42 O'Connor Dr Milling and Overlay.]

[62. Discuss, consider, and take appropriate action on authorizing the Purcashing Agent to advertise and receive sealed responses for the Seward Junction North Loop-East (From US 183/CR 258 to SH 29/CR 260) for Road Bond/HNTB, under IFB #26IFB84 (Funding Source P598).]

[63. Discuss, consider and take appropriate action on a First Amendment to Development Agreement by and between Williamson County, Texas, and Skalmor, Inc. a Delaware Corporation, regarding the sale of certain property owned by the County. ]

[64. Discuss, consider and take appropriate action on a real estate contract with Randall A. Schwertner and Irene M. Schwertner to acquire 3.18 AC needed as future right of way on the proposed Corridor D project. ]

[65. Discuss, consider and take appropriate action on a Rule 11 Settlement Agreement and Agreed Final Judgments with Charles Todd Hoskins and Terry Hoskins to acquire 0.809 AC needed as right of way, 0.789 AC needed as an electric easement and 0.205 AC needed as an electric easement for the Hero Way/RM 2243 construction project (Parcels 329/329E and 329PEC).]

[66. Discuss, consider and take appropriate action on a Reversionary Deed without Warranty from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), transferring the land associated with Twin Lakes Park from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to Williamson County.]

[67. Discuss, consider and take appropriate action on a First Amendment to the Interlocal Cooperation Agreement between Williamson County and Travis County for Improvements to CR 138.]

DID THAT DID A GREAT JOB. >> ALL RIGHT.

ITEMS 58 THROUGH 67 OUR ROAD AND BRIDGE ITEMS. I'LL ENTERTAIN A MOTION FOR ONE OR ALL OF THOSE ITEMS.

>> MOVED TO APPROVE 58 THROUGH 67.

>> I'LL SECOND. >> WE HAVE A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER COVEY, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COOK.

ALL IN FAVOR? >> I DO WANT TO POINT OUT, 66, JUST TO CLARIFY, IS NOT RELATED TO ROAD AND BRIDGE.

THAT IS THE TRANSFER OF THE TWIN LAKES PARK THAT WE HAVE ENJOYED A RELATIONSHIP WITH THE STATE FOR 35 PLUS YEARS.

THE STATE LAST YEAR AGREED TO BASICALLY TRANSFER THAT LAND TO THE COUNTY. SO THAT IS NOW OFFICIALLY A COUNTY PARK. I WANT TO THANK THOSE WHO WORKED CLOSELY WITH THE LAWYERS TO GET THIS DONE.

BUT TWIN LAKES IS NOW OFFICIALLY A COUNTY PARK.

IT IS THE POSTER CHILD OF THE GREAT PARTNERSHIPS WE HAVE WITH THE YMCA. PRETTY MUCH ALL THE PROGRAMING OUT THERE HAS BEEN LARGELY DEALT BY THE YMCA, AND THEY'VE BEEN A FANTASTIC PARTNER. THAT MODEL IS USED NATIONWIDE TO

PARTNER WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENTS. >> COMMISSIONER LONG, YOU'VE DEFINITELY BEEN A CHAMPION FOR THE PARK SYSTEM AT

WILLIAMSON COUNTY. >> THAT WAS ONE TO GET CHECKED

OFF THE LIST. >> JUST FOR THE RECORD, 58-67

[68. Discuss, consider and take appropriate action on a resolution determining the necessity and authorizing the use of eminent domain to condemn (12.776 acres) required for the construction of Corridor A-2. (PDMD Realty, LLC, a Texas Limited Liability Company/ Parcel 21).]

>> ON ITEM 68, I MOVE THAT COMMISSIONERS COURT OF WILLIAMSON COUNTY USE THE POWER OF EMINENT DOMAIN TO ACQUIRE

[01:10:05]

>> I'LL SECOND. >> WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND. WE NEED A RECORD VOTE.

PRECINCT ONE. >> YES.

>> PRECINCT TWO. >> YES.

>> PRECINCT THREE. >> YES.

[69. Discuss, consider and take appropriate action on a resolution determining the necessity and authorizing the use of eminent domain to condemn (3.758 acres) required for the construction of Corridor A-2. (Andrew and Rebecca Bulgerin/ Parcel 30).]

>> PRECINCT FOUR. >> YES.

>> AND COUNTY JUDGES YES MOTION CARRIES 5-0.

ITEM 69. >> I MOVE THE COMMISSIONERS COURT OF WILLIAMSON COUNTY AUTHORIZE THE USE OF POWER OF EMINENT DOMAIN TO ACQUIRE 3.758 ACRES NEEDED AS RIGHT OF WAY AND OWNED BY ANDREW AND REBECCA BULGARIN LOCATED IN...

TO THE CORRIDOR A PROJECT PARCEL 30.

>> SECOND. >> WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND. RECORD VOTE.

PRECINCT ONE. >> YES.

>> PRECINCT TWO. >> YES.

>> PRECINCT THREE. >> YES.

[73. Public Comment Period for County Matters that are not on the Agenda.  The Commissioners Court will conduct a Public Comment Period to allow members of the public, who have properly submitted a Public Participation Form, to address the Commissioners Court regarding matters pertaining to or affecting Williamson County, but that do not appear as an Agenda Item on the Commissioners Court’s Agenda.  During this Public Comment Period, speakers shall be limited to a maximum of two (2) minutes to make his or her remarks and the maximum overall discussion time allowed for this Public Comment Period, regardless of the number of members of the public wishing to address the Court during such period, shall be limited to ten (10) minutes.  Speaking time, to the extent possible, will be evenly allocated among speakers should more than five (5) speakers desire to speak during this Public Comment Period.  Please note that the members of the Court may not comment during the meeting about matters that are not on the Commissioners Court’s Agenda.]

>> PRECINCT FOUR. >> YES.

>> COUNTY JUDGE IS YES MOTION CARRIES 5-0.

THANK YOU. AT THIS TIME WE WILL SHIFT TO ITEM 73, PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA.

MR., YOU HAVE SIGNED UP AS WELL.

>> HOW DO YOU SUMMARIZE ALL THIS STUFF? IT'S INTERESTING, WHEN I WAS IN THE NAVY, MY FIRST ASSIGNMENT WAS IN ALAMEDA, CALIFORNIA IN 1972.

IT WAS NICE TO ACTUALLY GET OUT OF THE BIG CITIES AND SEE THE COUNTRYSIDE, THE IMPERIAL VALLEY DOWN TO SAN DIEGO, THE VALLEY GOING NORTH, GOING TO SAN FRANCISCO FOR AN EVENING USED TO BE A LOT OF FUN. GREAT RESTAURANTS.

IT'S NO LONGER SAFE ANY MORE. IN THE LATE 90S, THE LAST TIME I WAS THERE, HOMEOWNERS WERE FIGHTING OVER WHO WAS GOING TO CONTROL WHICH CORNER. AND TAKING MORE LAND, LEGAL PLUNDER. WILLIAMSON COUNTY USED TO BE A REALLY NICE, CALM, LAID BACK. THERE'S NOTHING CALM ABOUT THE TRAFFIC ANY MORE. IT'S A CHALLENGE TO GET DOWN THE ROAD AND STILL BE ALIVE AT THE END BETWEEN RED LIGHTS.

AND I DIDN'T HEAR ANY WORD ON THIS $3 MILLION SERVICE CONTRACT ON HOW THERE'S GOING TO BE TRANSPARENCY TO THE PUBLIC.

BUT OUR WHOLE WORLD IS KIND OF CHANGING AROUND US.

IT'S AMAZING HOW WE'RE GOING TO HAVE PEOPLE IN OTHER STATES THAT ARE PROBABLY GOING TO GET HERE SOON.

PEOPLE TRYING TO HAVE A PRAYER MEETING AT HOME, AND THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT GOES OUT TO TRY TO ARREST PEOPLE BECAUSE THEY'RE VIOLATING SOME RULES AND REGULATIONS ABOUT HOW CHURCHES ARE ESTABLISHED IN VARIOUS LOCATIONS.

IT'S REALLY BAD OVERSEAS. IF YOU PRAY IN DOWNTOWN LONDON

YOU'RE GOING TO GO TO JAIL. >> IS THAT ENGLAND CALLING?

>> IT'S TERRIBLE WHEN YOU HAVE TO HAVE APPS RUN YOUR LIFE TO KEEP YOUR BUSINESS GOING. BUT ANYWAY.

>> YOUR TIME IS UP, BUT I WILL LET YOU FINISH YOUR THOUGHT.

>> WE NEED TO LOOK AT THE BIGGER PICTURE.

[ EXECUTIVE SESSION "The Commissioners Court for Williamson County reserves the right to adjourn into executive session at any time during the course of this meeting to discuss any of the matters listed above, as authorized by Texas Government Code Sections 551.071 (Consultations with Attorney), 551.072 (Deliberations regarding Real Property), 551.073 (Deliberations regarding Gifts and Donations), 551.074 (Personnel Matters), 551.076 (Deliberations regarding Security Devices) and 551.087 (Deliberations regarding Economic Development Negotiations)."]

>> THANK YOU, SIR. AT THIS TIME, THE COMMISSIONERS COURT WILL GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION.

WE WILL DISCUSS ITEM 70, CONFIDENTIAL ATTORNEY CLIENT LEGAL MATTERS, 551.071. WE WILL BE DISCUSSING BOTH A AND B. WE WILL NOT BE DISCUSSING ITEM 71. THE TIME

[72. Comments from Commissioners.]

>> BE INFORMED AND COME HANG OUT WITH US TONIGHT AND ALSO DON'T FORGET TO SIGN UP FOR BLOOD DRIVES THIS WEEK AND NEXT, SEPTEMBER 8TH IS THE FINAL DAY AND YOU GET A COOL T-SHIRT.

WILKO SAVES WITH WE OUR BLOOD.ORG IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

[01:15:02]