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| 5/9/2007 10:03:00 AM | Email this article • Print this article | Commissioner reflects on 'three great years'
By LISA BIRKMAN
Pct. 1, Williamson County Commissioner
Thanks for electing me to serve as your county commissioner three years ago! The time has passed quickly, and I am proud of the accomplishments made. This last year has been one especially full of change and progress.
One of the biggest accomplishments in the past year is the passage of $250 million in bonds in the November election. The voters of Williamson County overwhelmingly supported $228 million for road improvements plus an additional $22 million for parks and preserves.
With our population increase of over 46 percent in the past six years, the public agreed with me that these additional public improvements are worth the expense. I am currently working with other members of the court as we prioritize the projects and begin work.
In Precinct One, we plan to spend the money on safety and mobility improvements to Westinghouse Road, Wyoming Springs Road, RM 620, and Pond Springs Road and possibly others.
As to parks expenditures, I hope to soon start on additional amenities at the Williamson County Regional Park on FM 1431, as well as the Brushy Creek Regional Trail. We are also in the construction phase of the Lake Creek Trail, which will connect Parmer Lane to the Broadmeade Avenue area, as well as Champion Park, located along Brushy Creek across from Avery Ranch.
Improving mental health services for those in crisis also has been a focus during the last year. We have made impressive improvements with the collaboration between many agencies within the county on the Mental Health Task Force, of which I am a member.
Also, the Sheriff's Office Crisis Intervention Team and the county's Mobile Outreach Team have worked hard to divert the mentally ill to appropriate community resources, whenever possible.
The team recently was awarded a very competitive grant from the state and also received recognition from the 100 Club of Central Texas as the "Best Team." This effort has not only improved services, but also saved taxpayer dollars.
Another area on which I have worked is to preserve the beauty of the open space in our county. With our rapid growth, the need to set aside land for our children and grandchildren is especially important.
As president of the Williamson County Conservation Foundation, I have helped with the purchase of two tracts in the past year, the Beck and Cobb Cavern preserves. Both of these are home to endangered species. Most of the money to purchase these preserves came from grants the foundation received from the federal government that are administered by the state. Working with our federal and state officials, I plan to continue to advocate for the preservation of open space.
To give you an opportunity to learn more plus visit with me and others, I will to host an open house on Thursday, May 17, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Baca Center, which is located at 301 W. Bagdad Ave., Building 2, in downtown Round Rock.
In addition to the topics above, we will also have information about the new Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter, including a few pets ready to be adopted!
I hope to see you there.
For more information on this or any county issue, please contact me at lbirkman@wilco.org or 733.5380.
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