Williamson County Passes Property Tax Increase

Williamson County Commissioners have finalized a $650 million budget and raised the property tax rate by 13 cents.

Commissioner Brian Beathard was one of a handful to vote in opposition, saying he couldn’t justify a tax rate increase after the difficult past year. But after a drawn-out debate and a failed amendment, commissioners voted 19-3 to approve the spending plan and tax rate.

Commissioner Beth Lothers said the need for an increase in revenues and spending power for departments has been a long time coming.

“How these departments operate without increase — large increase — in staff, they are so fiscally conservative. I don’t know how they do it because with growth, they’re getting more calls. They’re getting more needs.”

She says revenue must grow to keep up with the county and create a sustainable budget.