Residents, commissioners warn out-of-county housing finance corporation activity is removing Williamson County properties from tax rolls

Bill Coverlaw, a Williamson County resident and retired Navy captain, told the Williamson County Commissioner’s Court on Feb. 25 that a Cameron County Housing Finance Corporation (HFC) has been acquiring and attempting to shelter Williamson County properties from local tax rolls.

Coverlaw said two new apartment complexes in Hutto are the immediate examples. “That’s about $1,200,000 of property tax revenue lost to the Hutto ISD each year,” he said, later calling the operation “a scam” and urging the court to press state-level remedies.

The court and multiple speakers described frustration that the Cameron County HFC did not consult Williamson County taxing entities or local school districts before pursuing the transactions. Coverlaw said the out‑of‑county board members had not contacted county officials, and that he had not received replies to his requests for information from the Cameron County judge or the HFC’s board president.

Commissioners and members of the public said they are exploring legal and legislative options. One speaker urged the court to seek a temporary restraining order (TRO) or other remedy to stop further transfers in Williamson County while the issue is investigated. The court signaled it would engage state elected officials and the county attorney’s office about possible remedies.

Speakers also raised potential conflicts of interest involving a local firm used by the county. Coverlaw said one HFC board member appears to be an attorney for a firm that also represents Williamson County in collections, and he has asked the county judge to investigate that relationship.

Why it matters: speakers said removing high‑value parcels from local tax rolls reduces revenue for schools and other taxing entities and could affect bond and budget projections. Court members agreed the issue merits further follow-up with the county attorney and state legislators.

The court did not take immediate formal action on the issue during the Feb. 25 regular session; members encouraged public commenters and county staff to pursue additional information and potential legislative remedies.