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Marshall and Smith clash over growth, taxes and infrastructure at Williamson County mayoral forum
Summary
At a Williamson Inc. forum at Columbia State, candidates Andy Marshall and Mary Smith presented competing approaches to managing rapid growth, preserving the county's AAA bond rating and addressing infrastructure, housing and a possible hospital sale; B.K. Muvvala did not attend.
Andy Marshall and Mary Smith, the two remaining candidates for Williamson County mayor, laid out contrasting approaches to managing the county's rapid growth and finances during a candidate forum hosted by Williamson Inc. at Columbia State's Williamson campus.
Mary Smith, who serves as District 5 county commissioner, framed her candidacy around long-term stewardship and experience on the commission, saying she has "been in the meetings, asked the tough questions, and worked alongside our departments to understand how this county truly operates." She emphasized seeking revenue options that would not further burden taxpayers and pressing for efficiencies across county departments.
Andy Marshall, who described his background in local business and hospitality, argued against raising taxes and stressed preserving the county's AAA bond rating. "We don't have a problem with our tax rates. We have a problem with our growth and keeping up with the growth right now," Marshall said, adding that the county can "lean into" its bond rating when necessary.
Why it matters: Williamson County is experiencing strong population and property-value growth that residents say has outpaced infrastructure. The next county mayor will shape how the county funds schools, roads, public safety and other services while managing development pressures.
On infrastructure, Smith prioritized public safety, roads and failing on-site wastewater systems, urging collaboration with state agencies such as TDEC and caution about expanding services before existing systems are fixed. Marshall called for sustained implementation of the county's comprehensive growth plan and closer work with municipal partners, while underlining property-rights protections.
Housing and growth emerged as recurring themes. Both candidates endorsed public–private partnerships to expand attainable housing, with Smith highlighting local regulatory adjustments (including septic and accessory-unit approaches) and Marshall urging targeted development where infrastructure already exists.
They diverged on annexation and county oversight. Smith said a county resolution asking the state to give counties greater say in annexation was intended to address constituent concerns and improve intergovernmental communication. Marshall said he opposed adding county veto power over annexations and framed the issue as protection of individual property rights.
On the potential sale of the local hospital — an issue that drew audience interest — Smith called for transparency and community input, stressing the importance of jobs and continuity of care. Marshall said the county should follow state law governing proceeds and suggested placing some funds into a trust to preserve services the county currently supports.
The forum included a seven-question lightning round of yes/no items and closed with each candidate's final remarks. Organizers said candidate interviews and questionnaire videos are available on the Williamson Inc. website and reminded voters that early voting runs April 15–30 ahead of the May 5 election.
Speakers quoted in this article appear in the forum's speaker list and their remarks are drawn from the forum transcript.
