Williamson County Officials Continue Hammering Out 2016-17 Budget

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TX -- Williamson County department heads have turned in their budget requests as officials hammer out the 2016-17 budget, including $26 million for jail operations.

Budget Officer Ashlie Koenig agreed the 64 extra employees needed to be hired overall at a cost of $5 million is substantial, but less than past requests, she told the Round Rock Leader.

Sheriff James Wilson is asking for 11 jailers for the county lockup as part of a $26 million budget for jail operations. His department employs 326 full- and part-time workers.

Additionally, Koenig said some constables are asking for body cameras to adhere to prevailing trends in law enforcement. Last year, the Round Rock Police Department budgeted $13,500 for a body camera pilot program.

In another budget item, the county's information technology departments seeks $2.5 million for its functions.

All told, the county currently operates on a $267 million budget that's funded through a tax rate of just over 48 cents per $100 assessed valuation.

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