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September 2, 2010

Liberty Hill Independent

Williamson County Cuts Budget - Maintains Tax Rate

On Tuesday, August 31, the Williamson County Commissioners Court adopted a tax rate of .489999, the same tax rate as this year. The Court adopted a general fund budget for the 2010-2011 fiscal year of $124,355,685.15, which is $496,104.26 less than the current amended budget of $124,851,789.41.

The approved general fund budget included cuts of $2,745,681 from the proposed budget. Cuts included reducing the amount budgeted for indigent health care from $10 million to $7 million due to a cooperative effort between the county and county health care providers. Another $41,999 was reduced due to savings in vehicle insurance.

In 2009, the average home value fell to $183,285 and in 2010 the average home value fell again to $179,749. With the adopted rate of $0.489999, the average property tax payment will be $880.77, a decrease of $17.33.

August 30, 2010

Learn to Fish

Williamson County Commissioner Cynthia Long and the Williamson County Parks and Recreation Department hosted a Learn to Fish event in the Southwest Regional Park on Saturday, August 28, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. With the theme of “Get off the Xbox and into the Tackle Box”, over 400 children ages 4 – 14 spent time learning various fishing tips and techniques from local experts.

Learn to Fish participants and families enjoyed exhibits from Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) and were able to interact with Texas game wardens and other conservation professionals. Special guest, Clark Wendlandt, the 2009 Angler of the Year, provided technique demonstrations for both young and old.

Angler hopefuls were guided through learning stations that emphasized the use of basic tackle, appropriate bait selection, knot tying, boat casting, and water safety. Additional activities such as “backyard bass” also helped participants hone their fishing skills while also teaching them about basic guidelines that promote a conservation ethic for good fishermen. All activities were in preparation for the day’s objective; to catch (and release) fish. Prizes of rods and reels were awarded for the biggest fish caught each hour. Grand prizes included the award of four Jack Spillman Memorial college scholarships.

Volunteers from Faith Angler Network, Best Buy, AT&T, and others assisted the Parks Department in making the day memorable for all.

June 23, 2010

County Achieves AAA Bond Rating

Williamson County’s bond rating has been raised to a AAA from AA+ on its ongoing general obligation debt and the county’s series 2010 pass-through financing revenue and limited tax bonds by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services. Fitch Ratings also assigned an initial AAA rating to Williamson County’s $35.44 million pass-through financing revenue and limited tax bonds, series 2010. Both companies state the rating outlook is stable.

Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services raised its long-term and underlying rating (SPUR) to AAA for Williamson County based on “our view of the county’s consistent strong economic expansion and its proven ability to manage growth,” said Standard & Poor’s Credit Analyst Kate Choban. “Further supporting the rating is the county’s maintenance of strong finances.”

According to a press release by Fitch Ratings, the rationale behind the AAA rating was “despite growth pressures, financial performance has consistently been strong, benefiting from conservative fiscal stewardship and budgeting practices. The county maintains ample reserves in a number of funds, well in excess of stated policies.”

AAA is the highest rating available for credit worthiness. The AAA rating means the county will be able to get a lower interest rate that could save the county approximately $600,000 in interest over the life of the debt.

The fundamentals that have earned the county its AAA rating are consistently building adequate reserves, investing in infrastructure to keep property values vibrant, maintaining good business practices, working smarter with technology, attracting and retaining a talented workforce, and keeping debt in proportion to maintenance and operation.

April 5, 2010

County Commissioners Host Military Appreciation Night

Williamson County and the City of Cedar Park hosted Partners Across Texas Showcase for Veterans and Military Families on Saturday, April 3, 2010, 2 to 4 p.m. at the Cedar Park Event Center. TexVet and the Partners Across Texas helped connect important service providers with veterans and their families. The Partners provided important information on programs, support, education and assistance for veterans and their families.

As part of “Military Appreciation Night,” veterans and military families were invited to stay for the Texas Stars hockey game which followed the showcase. Tickets for the game were donated by Williamson County Commissioners to over 400 veterans and military families for this event. In honor of our U.S. Military, the Texas Stars wore wearing camouflage jerseys.

Congressman John Carter, County Commissioner Cynthia Long, and Veteran and Cedar Park City Council Member Tony Dale were among those who helped drop the ceremonial first puck.

February 16, 2010

Williamson County Republican Assembly

The Williamson County Republican Assembly announces it's endorsements for several Conservative Republican Candidates!

Williamson County, Texas - Williamson County Republican Assembly President, David L. MacEwan, published their organization’s list of endorsements for candidates in several contested Republican primary races. Mr. Mac Ewan stated that, "After many months of visiting with and interviewing a slate of Republican candidates here in Williamson County, Texas, the Williamson County Republican Assembly and it's grassroots members have voted to endorse the following candidates."

Congressional District 31 - Congressman John Carter
Texas Senate District 5 - Sen. Steve Ogden
Texas House District 52 - Larry Gonzales
Texas House District 20 - Stephen Thomas
Williamson County Commissioner, Pct. 2 - Cynthia Long
Williamson County Justice of the Peace, Pct. 3 - Judge Steve Benton
Williamson County Criminal Court # 3 - Doug Arnold

Mr. MacEwan added that,"These candidates represent a list of true Conservative Republican Candidates that the voters residing in Williamson County, Tx, can trust to represent them and work hard for them in their respective offices." Furthermore, Mr. MacEwan stated that, "These candidates represent our organizations beliefs, principles and values and we will do everything we can to ensure they win their primary races!"

The candidates were selected by secret ballot of the membership at the Williamson County Republican Assembly’s Endorsement Meeting on Tuesday, February 16th, 2010. To receive the endorsement of the Williamson County Republican Assembly, each candidate had to be nominated and then receive a majority of the votes cast by the Assembly's members.

January 28, 2010

Hill Country News

Commissioner Helps Cities Secure Funding For Road Projects

Last week was a good one for road projects in Leander and Cedar Park. Safety work on North US 183 was completed, funds for improvements to Brushy Creek Road were approved - and travel on Bell Boulevard could become a lot quicker after Cedar Park successfully bid for a slice of the federal stimulus package.

On Thursday, Williamson County Commissioner Cynthia Long oversaw the completion of a project at the intersection of US 183 and the 183A toll road. The project included over $30,000 in safety improvements.

“We hope that it draws attention to the intersection before they arrive,” said John Hurt, a spokesperson for the Texas Department of Transportation. Hurt said the work was a response to a number of accidents around the intersection. A “friction course” applied to the roadway will help cars hold the road better around the bend while new rumble strips and flashing lights are aimed at warning drivers of the upcoming intersection.

Long added that she and Cedar Park officials were successful in their appeal to the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization regarding funding approval for the long-awaited Brushy Creek Road project.

”We are delighted that the Brushy Creek Road project was prioritized for funding. With four schools along the road and over 12,000 cars traveling on it every day, the enhancements will be a significant improvement in the safety of the road,” said Long.

The funding has been in the pipeline since 2006 but the project suffered several setbacks along the way and had to jostle with hike-and-bike projects that were also trying to secure funding. Upon completion, Brushy Creek Road will have four lanes with protected left turns, sidewalks and bike lanes. Construction is scheduled to begin in August.

January 21, 2010

Hill Country News

Cynthia Long takes lead in County cutting manufacturing business tax

The freeport tax exemption is an increasingly popular economic development tool for local governments. A freeport exemption waives property taxes collected on items a company keeps onsite temporarily, that will later be shipped out of a taxing entity's jurisdiction.

On Tuesday, Jan. 19, Williamson County took the final vote needed to implement the exemption county-wide. County commissioners approved the measure unanimously.

Commissioner Cynthia Long placed the exemption on the agenda on Tuesday. It has been a special cause for her. Long said she was spearheading the effort because she felt like the freeport tax was unfair to businesses. “In a time when we're looking to attract new businesses and retain existing ones, lower taxes have historically created more jobs,” she said.

Cedar Park and Leander already offer the exemption as do Travis County, Austin, Pflugerville and Pflugerville ISD.

The Commissioners Court--voted unanimously on Aug. 4, 2009, to eliminate the tax, with the condition that businesses that pay the tax phase it out. Long was appointed to lead the effort to work with existing companies affected by the exemption.

She and a team of economic development directors from Williamson County cities completed their negotiations with 20 companies. The companies that signed the agreement will see a 20 percent per year reduction in the tax, and will stop paying it in 2014.

“Not only will this reduce inventory taxes for existing companies, but it also makes us more competitive for future projects,” said Cedar Park Economic Development Director Phil Brewer. “It will keep us in the running. If a company is looking for areas that offer the freeport exemption and we don't have it, we get eliminated before we even get a chance to present something to them. This is going to be a positive thing for all communities in Williamson County.”

Brewer said if the Leander ISD approves the exemption, it will make Cedar Park a “triple-exemption” city, which will make it very attractive to new businesses.

“I am so excited,” said Leander Economic Development Director Kirk Clennan. “First of all, it's awesome because of the public and private regional cooperation that made this happen.”

He was especially pleased that so many companies in Williamson County were willing to “give a little to get a little,” agreeing to phase in the exemption so taxing entities will not lose revenue. The phase-in plan is based on a plan used in Dallas, he said.

“Not only will this help us grow our existing businesses, it will help us relocate prospective businesses to the area,” Clennan said. Will it lead to more jobs in the area? “Absolutely,” Clennan said.

January 6, 2010 - Press Release

Ground breaking for US 183 from the San Gabriel River to SH 29

Commissioner Cynthia Long, Precinct 2, hosted a groundbreaking for improvements to US 183 from the South San Gabriel River to SH 29 on Wednesday, January 6, at 1:30 p.m. The US 183 project extends from 0.70 miles north of SH 29 to 0.50 miles south of the San Gabriel River, a length of approximately 4.2 miles.

The project consists of the construction of a four lane divided roadway, including northbound and southbound bridges over the San Gabriel River. “These improvements are long overdue and will increase the safety of this dangerous section of US 183,” stated Commissioner Long. It is estimated that construction will be complete in late 2012.

December 30, 2009

Liberty Hill Independent

Ground Breaking for County Road 214

The long-awaited improvements to County Road 214/San Gabriel Ranch Road have begun. On December 18, Precinct 2 Commissioner Cynthia Long hosted a groundbreaking for ‘County Road 214 Phase 2A’ at the intersection of County Road 214 and San Gabriel Ranch Road. The project extends from Rolling Hills Road to San Gabriel Ranch Road, approximately 1.32 miles. It will be a reconstruction of the existing roadway from 10-foot travel lanes with no shoulders to 12-foot travel lanes with 8-foot shoulders. The project was designed by Rogers Design Services and will be constructed by FT Woods Construction for a price of approximately $1,184,000. It is estimated to be completed in the fall of 2010.

November 26, 2009

Hill Country News

Cynthia Long seeks re-election

Williamson County Pct. 2 Commissioner hopes for second term

Williamson County Commissioner Precinct Two, Cynthia Long, announced last week she will run for re-election to a second term.

A strong fiscal conservative, Commissioner Long cites a property tax rate that is lower now than when she took office. While holding the line on taxes, she is leading the county effort to eliminate an unfair business tax, making Williamson County more attractive to new manufacturing business and retaining the ones that are here.

“Making Williamson County the place where residents not only want to live but work, worship, shop, play and go to school continues to be a top priority. I am seeking a second term to continue the progress that I have made towards that priority.”

Long's first-term accomplishments include the opening of over eight miles of new county roads in Precinct 2, the purchase of 1,011 acres for future parkland with bonds overwhelmingly approved by voters in 2006 and the opening of Phase III of the Brushy Creek Regional Trail in March of this year.

Long brought the community and families together to celebrate the trail opening in a creative way. With the help of the Twin Lakes YMCA team, the county parks department and others, over 500 people came out to enjoy the “ribbon busting” at the Trail Setter 5K and 1K.

Precinct 2 includes the cities of Cedar Park, Leander and Liberty Hill. It also includes Anderson Mill, Block House Creek and a small portion of Georgetown.

November 23, 2009

Community Impact News

County Commissioner will run for re-election

Williamson County Commissioner Cynthia Long announced Nov. 18 she will seek a second term, according to a news release.

Long decided to run for re-election in precinct two, which includes the cities of Cedar Park, Leander and Liberty Hill.

“Making Williamson County the place where residents not only want to live but work, worship, shop, play, and go to school continues to be a top priority,” Long said in the release. “I am seeking a second term to continue the progress that I have made towards that priority.”

Long is a fiscal conservative and cites a lower property tax rate as one of her achievements during her first term. She is also leading the effort to eliminate a business tax in order to encourage more businesses to come to and remain in Williamson County.

During her first term, Long helped secure over $30 million in funding for transportation improvements through her position as vice-chairman of the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) and her appointment as chair of the CAMPO Finance Committee.

Before being elected as county commissioner, Long served as a Cedar Park City Council member, mayor pro-tem, and vice-chairman of the Cedar Park Planning and Zoning Commission.

November 18, 2009 - Press Release

County Commissioner to run for re-election

CEDAR PARK– Williamson County Commissioner Precinct Two, Cynthia Long announced today she will run for re-election to a second term.

A strong fiscal conservative, Commissioner Long cites a property tax rate that is lower now than when she took office. While holding the line on taxes, she is leading the County effort to eliminate an unfair business tax, making Williamson County more attractive to new manufacturing business and retaining the ones that are here.

“Making Williamson County the place where residents not only want to live but work, worship, shop, play, and go to school continues to be a top priority. I am seeking a second term to continue the progress that I have made towards that priority.”

Commissioner Long quickly proved that she is a leader in transportation solutions, not only in the County but in the Capital area. She was elected to serve as Vice-Chairman of the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) and appointed as Chair of the CAMPO Finance Committee. In a time of scarce transportation dollars, Commissioner Long’s leadership helped secure over $30 million in funding from CAMPO and TxDOT for Williamson County roads and trails.

Other accomplishments of Commissioner Long’s first term include the opening of over eight miles of new county roads in Precinct Two, the purchase of 1,011 acres for future parkland with bonds overwhelmingly approved by voters in 2006, and the opening of Phase III of the Brushy Creek Regional Trail in March of this year. Commissioner Long brought the community and families together to celebrate the trail opening in a creative way. With the help of the Twin Lakes YMCA team, County Parks Department and others, over 500 people came out to enjoy the “ribbon busting” at the Trail Setter 5K and 1K.

Prior to being elected County Commissioner, Long served as Cedar Park City Council Member, Mayor Pro-Tem, and Vice-Chairman of the Cedar Park Planning and Zoning Commission. She has served on the Round Rock Medical Center Board, the Greater Williamson County YMCA Board, and was the founding Chairman of the Twin Lakes Family YMCA. She is the past Vice-Chairman of the Williamson County Republican Party.

Commissioner Long has a BBA from Texas A&M. She and her husband Donn have been married for 22 years and have one daughter. She and her family have been active in Hill Country Bible churches since 1989.

Precinct 2 includes the cities of Cedar Park, Leander, and Liberty Hill. It also includes Anderson Mill, Block House Creek and a small portion of Georgetown.

November 12, 2009 - Press Release

Ground Breaking for improvements to intersection of HWY 183 and FM 3405

On Monday, November 16, at 10 a.m. Commissioner Cynthia Long, Precinct 2, will celebrate a groundbreaking for improvements to the intersection of US 183 and FM 3405. The ceremony will be held on FM 3405 just east of US 183 north of Seward Junction. The project includes the installation of a signal light and the addition of a south bound left turn lane from US 183 onto FM 3405.

“We are very excited to celebrate the groundbreaking for these safety improvements to this intersection,” stated Commissioner Long. “I’ve had several constituents request these improvements due to accidents that have occurred here. This project is one of several that Williamson County is funding in order to make safety improvements to the state highways in our County. We appreciate TxDOT’s assistance in ensuring these improvements were started as quickly as possible.” The signalization project is expected to be completed in winter of 2010. The turn lanes will be completed in spring 2010.