Candidates offer different solutions for housing, septic systems and annexation in Williamson County

Housing affordability, county annexation authority and infrastructure needs featured prominently at the April 8 forum.

Mary Smith (District 5 commissioner) described housing as personal and urged changes to septic regulations and support for creative options — such as cottage-style accessory dwellings — to help families stay in the county. "We're being asked to build apartment garages and making sure that we can actually support that in the county," Smith said, adding that officials should seek opportunities to use existing infrastructure and revise regulations where appropriate.

Andy Marshall said tackling the county's housing shortage will require collaboration between public and private partners and development targeted to places where infrastructure already exists. He called for pocket planning and site selection tied to capacity so new development does not outpace roads, schools and emergency services.

On annexation, candidates sharply differed. Smith said she supported a county resolution asking the state to revisit annexation rules to ensure county residents' concerns are heard and to improve communication with cities. Marshall opposed expanding county authority over annexations, calling it an overreach that could infringe on individual property rights and urging continued local collaboration with cities.

Both candidates stressed the need to work with state agencies on major road projects and to address failing septic systems in parts of the county where on-site wastewater creates public-health and development challenges. No regulatory changes were enacted at the forum; candidates described priorities they would pursue if elected.