Here is a recap of what was featured in the Wednesday, Sept. 6, e-edition of the Taylor Press. The e-edition is emailed to subscribers and available at www.taylorpress. net.
TEXAS 95 REROUTED IN COUNTY PLAN GEORGETOWN – Williamson County is looking into how to protect its present while preparing for future road growth.
The Commissioners’ Court approved an update to the county’s long-range transportation plan last month that involves Taylor.
The transportation plan to adopt the city’s proposed routing of State Highway 95 forming an outer loop in the southeast quadrant of Taylor.
Robert “Bob” Daigh, the county’s senior director of infrastructure, said the plan adjustments come from the city’s proposal and are meant to protect the downtown area.
He believes 95 will become a freeway somewhere down the line. By planning, the county can preserve Taylor’s downtown.
OFFICIALS OK 600K FIX FOR HERITAGE SQUARE SPLASH PAD Just four years after it was constructed, the splash park at Heritage Square is in need of a major upgrade.
At the regular meeting of the Taylor City Council Aug. 24, city leaders voted unanimously to award a contract in the amount of $606,512.89 to Kraftsman Commercial Playgrounds & Water Parks to repair the splash pad, which will involve injecting a chemical into the subbase to strengthen it and replace the concrete to prevent future shifting and movement at the surface level, among other upgrades.
City spokeswoman Stacey Osborne said the splash pad, as well as other improvements to Heritage Square, were originally completed by contractor Baird/ Williamson with a bid for approximately $235,000 in 2018.
City spokeswoman Stacey Osborne said the splash pad, as well as other improvements to Heritage Square, were originally completed by contractor Baird/ Williamson with a bid for approximately $235,000 in 2018.
HOW TAYLOR ISD HANDLES NEW VAPING LAW One of the over 750 new Texas laws that went into effect Friday, Sept. 1 cracks down on vaping inside of schools.
The law, House Bill 114, requires immediate disciplinary action for students vaping or being in possession of e-cigarette components on or near a Texas public school campus.
Taylor Independent School District officials say not much will change to the district’s policy since they already adhere to the guidelines. Rachelle Finck, director of counseling and guidance at Taylor ISD, said there has been an intervention program for students caught with vape since 2020.
Students who are caught with a vape with only nicotine receive ten school days at the Disciplinary Alternative Education Program. Repeat offenders receive 15 days and are automatically enrolled in personal counseling.
Any student who is found with a type of e-cigarette that contains THC or marijuana receives 30 days at DAEP with automatic substance abuse counseling twice a week.
The disciplinary program is for any student in the district who is in the sixth grade or above.
COUNTY BUDGET DISAPPOINTS PUBLIC OFFICIALS GEORGETOWN — Williamson County has its budget set for the upcoming fiscal year.
The Commissioners Court unanimously approved an amount of $560,109,974 for the total county budget during their Aug. 29 meeting. The budget consists of the general fund, road and bridge fund and debt service fund.
Commissioners additionally approved a 7.8% increase for the total county tax rate. The new rate will increase property taxes on the average homestead residence by approximately $130.
The general fund budget, which totals $318,142,882, includes 45 new full-time positions and moves two part-time positions to full-time.
Some county public officials say it is not enough.
