FAQs

he judge is often thought of as the chief executive officer of the county.

The county judge in Texas is the presiding officer of the commissioners court.  

The duties of the county judge vary depending on the population of the county. 

In most rural counties, the judge has broad judicial responsibilities and is often the principal source of information and assistance.

Yes — in Texas, the county judge is the official head of emergency management for the county, with legal authority to declare local disasters and direct emergency response.

In the summer of 2025, newly appointed Judge Steve Snell led the county through the flooding disaster.. Williamson County has a great team of emergency Management that is experienced, qualified, and well trained to act quickly to protect life and property.

Judge Snell also led the county through winter storm Fern in 2026

The county judge also can declare disasters including burn bans if drought conditions exist. 

Yes!  In Texas, a county judge (or justice of the peace) can legally marry people, provided they meet the qualifications under Texas Family Code §2.202

Led by Judge Snell, the Commissioner's Court approved $500,000 study to protect the water supply we have today for the people of Williamson County and find new water sources to provide water for the growth coming to Williamson County.  On October 20th, the Commissioner's Court approved Freese and Nichols to conduct the study which is expected to take 8-12 months. 

The study will review current and future sources and uses of water within the county. It also will look at treatment and distribution options. Upon completion, the study will result in a menu of projects that Williamson County water providers can consider for implementation. In addition, the study can be used to seek state and federal funding for water projects, reducing the tax burden for county residents.

“This study is an important step toward planning for the water needs of Williamson County’s current and future residents,” said County Judge Steve Snell. “My priority is to preserve the quality of life we enjoy today, and planning for a reliable water supply is essential to ensuring future generations have that same opportunity.”

In November 2023, voters approved $825 million to continue to fund projects which would increase safety and mobility across the county. Voters recognized that as the county continued to grow, new transportation routes and safety improvements would be needed to maintain the high quality of life they enjoyed in Williamson County. For more info visit: Road Bond | Williamson County, TX

The total county budget is comprised of the General Fund, Road and Bridge Fund and Debt Service Fund. The total county budget for October 2026 through September 2027 is $712,942,615.

The General Fund budget includes $7 million for the Long-Range Transportation Plan and $16.9 million for capital improvements. During their meeting on Sept. 15, the Commissioners Court will discuss which capital improvement projects they will fund with those dollars.

The adopted FY27 Road and Bridge Fund budget is $75 million. It includes $12.74 million for capital improvements and $10 million for the Long-Range Transportation Plan. It also includes a 2% cost of living increase and a 3% merit increase for employees and seven new full-time employees.

“This budget prioritizes public safety and roads, two top priorities for our residents as delineated through the communitywide survey. It also lowers taxes for the average homestead property through the no-new-revenue tax rate, which is one of my priorities,” said County Judge Steve Snell. “In a fast-growing county like ours, it is a big win for our residents when we can continue to provide them with great services while also decreasing their tax burden.

Judge Snell consistently prioritized lowering the tax burden and a reduction in county spending to create a responsible budget in this fiscal year budget and still fund core functions of county government.  

Yes! Based on the No New Revenue Tax Rate, most homesteads with see an average of 3.3% reduction in value and their tax bill will be lowered by an average of $28 and a median of $46. 

The no‑new‑revenue tax rate is the property tax rate that would generate the same amount of revenue as the previous year from the same properties, adjusting for changes in value. It ensures taxing units do not automatically collect more money simply because appraised values rise.

Yes, Judge Snell and Commissioner Terry Cook both voted against an increase in their salaries.