So, let's talk about the Williamson County Bond proposal.
You might have heard that the Greater Taylor Chamber of Commerce came out in favor of it earlier this week. It was a difficult decision and the board was not unified in making it. There was thoughtful reflection on both sides of the issue.
The vote came down to the details about the local projects and fear that without planning, our community would be left scratching and scraping when and if development does come between Taylor and Hutto.
The Taylor projects on the road bond are CR 366 and its intersection with Carlos G. Parker and at the intersection of FM 3349 and US 79. They support economic growth, commercial and individual mobility and protect public safety.
A "big bridge" (according to Pct. 4 Commissioner Russ Boles) that gets traffic over 79, the railroad tracks and Mustang Creek will enhance safety and access for the new Railroad Park (learn more about it
here). That project is already being built. You can love it. You can hate it. But you cannot ignore it when planning the future.
The second Taylor project on CR 366 straightens and connects Carlos G. Parker to Chandler Road. That road is getting more and more traffic. A regulated intersection with increased capacity to handle the growth that is already occurring along Chandler Road is needed.
If passed by voters, East Williamson County including Taylor, Thrall, Granger, Bartlett and Copeland, are set to get 30% of the road bond money spent in our communities. That is a greater share than we have of the population of the county and, certainly, a greater share than the money that will be drawn from East Williamson County property owners.
The parks project is a separate bond proposal but it includes expanding the Williamson County Expo Center and its amenities.
In the few years since its opening, the Expo Center has been a huge draw for visitors to Taylor and it has already gone through some expansions. This project would add pavilions and expand the arena to handle the multiple needs of events like barrel racing. It would also provide restrooms and showers for guests at the RV park.
The staff out there has stretched the use of the facility and proven the need for these additions. The Expo Center is an economic driver for our community and I hope voters will see fit to support it.
I truly understand the fear of development eroding our area farmland. I hope it won't. I hope those who want to keep their land will keep it. But those who don't could, and probably will, sell it to developers.
Developers come in, build something and, usually, leave without having to worry about the consequences -- whether the drainage capacity mitigates flooding or whether there are safe roads that provide adequate access.
We have to depend on local leadership to help direct development in a manner that is not chaotic or dangerous. County government has very, very little at its disposal to control growth.
It can't keep development at bay. Road planning is the county's ONLY tool to guide it thoughtfully.
Whatever our personal feelings about the development in East Williamson County, development is coming and these are the reasons the Chamber chose to support the bond election. We also know that reasonable can disagree and we encourage you to vote.
VOTE
Registered voters can begin casting ballots on the Williamson County Bond Issue and proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution on Monday, Oct. 21. You can find a full list of Williamson County voting locations here.
Polls at Taylor City Hall, 400 Porter, will be open on election day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Early voting at City Hall will be as follows.
Things are getting spooky!
Spooktacular returns to Heritage Square 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31.
The City is currently seeking organizations, businesses or groups to host free trick-or-treat or Halloween game booths or vendor booths for $25. Click
here to learn more about those opportunities.
As part of that event, Friends of the Taylor Public Library will host a costume contest at 7 p.m. for children in various age groups and a contest for the best themed family group.
Children and families are urged to register for the contest at the amphitheater 6-7 p.m.
Judges are also needed for the contest. If you are willing to help, please email Friends of the Taylor Public Library President Tia Rae Stone at president@taylorchamber.org with Spooktacular Judge as the subject line.
Click
HERE to download a copy of the poster (pictured) to put up at your business or to share with family and friends.
Every loves a parade!
...especially a lighted Christmas Parade!
Don't miss your chance to get into the fun and represent your business, organization, family or church as Taylor welcomes the holiday season on Saturday, Dec. 7. Click
HERE for registration information and rules for parade entries.
Know a GREAT woman?
Taylor Area Businesswomen are looking for a person who has shown dedication to the Taylor community to win this year's Woman of the Year award. Click
HERE for guidelines and to learn how to nominate someone. Nominations are due by Friday, Dec. 27.
