Williamson County residents oppose proposed budget increase during public comments

The Williamson County Commissioners Court held a special session on September 3, 2025, to discuss the proposed budget for the upcoming year. A significant focus of the meeting was the per capita budget increase, which is projected to rise from $8.73 in 2024 to $9.16 in 2025. This 5% increase has raised concerns among residents and officials regarding the sustainability of spending in light of the county's growing population.

During the public comment segment, several residents expressed their opposition to the proposed tax increase. One speaker highlighted that the rising budget per capita contradicts the expectation that larger populations should benefit from economies of scale, suggesting that new residents are not contributing adequately to the county's financial needs. This speaker emphasized that the county's growth is straining infrastructure and services, leading to increased costs for existing taxpayers.

Another resident, Janine Chapa, a precinct chair, voiced her concerns about the impact of rising taxes on working families and seniors on fixed incomes. She urged the court to consider alternative solutions, such as reallocating resources or trimming nonessential spending, before approving any tax increases. Chapa pointed out that previous bond issues had already placed a financial burden on residents, and she called for greater transparency in how additional funds would be spent.

A third speaker, Mr. Dillon, criticized the county's spending practices, likening them to excessive government spending at higher levels. He called for a reduction in the budget and expressed concern for low-income residents who are struggling to cope with rising taxes.

The meeting concluded with the court moving on to discuss specific budget items, including a motion to remove a vehicle from the budget, reflecting ongoing efforts to manage expenditures. The discussions highlighted the tension between the need for increased funding to support growth and the financial strain on existing residents, setting the stage for further deliberations on the budget in the coming weeks.