Williamson County delays across‑the‑board raise; approves targeted hires and sets aside $500,000 for regional water study

Williamson County Commissioners on Monday paused consideration of a proposed 2% cost‑of‑living increase for civilian employees and asked staff to return next week with alternative options and more data.

“I'm perfectly happy with withdrawing my motion,” Commissioner Covey said during a long budget workshop discussion, after colleagues raised concerns that a flat 2% increase would disproportionately favor higher‑paid employees and might worsen pay compression. Commissioners asked Human Resources to provide targeted alternatives — including lump‑sum payments to lower‑paid workers — and to model budget impacts before a final vote.

While the court delayed a decision on a general COLA, members approved several personnel and budget changes tied to the FY2026 draft.…