Williamson County Burn Ban, Still in Effect

Williamson County commissioners extended the county burn ban for 90 days during a regularly scheduled Oct. 18 meeting.

Additionally, Williamson County could be considering extending the burn ban up through the same time next year if weather predictions are accurate, Williamson County Emergency Services Director John Sneed said.

The burn ban prohibits smoking in county-owned parks, preserves and trails. The burning of household yard waste such as leaves, brush and grass is also prohibited under the ban.  Outdoor cooking is allowed if it is enclosed on at least three sides and the top can be covered. The burn ban also allows welding, cutting and grinding operations if required precautions are taken.

Williamson County Property Tax Bill Mail Out - This Week

Williamson County property tax statements will be mailed to county residents the week of Oct. 17, according to the Williamson County tax assessor/collector.

The office of the Williamson County tax assessor/collector sends out tax bills on behalf of most of the taxing entities, according to a Williamson County news release. Property owners who have their taxes escrowed by their lender will not receive duplicate statements. 

People who own property in Hutto ISD will not receive their tax bill until the week of Nov. 14. Residents of Hutto ISD will vote on the school's adopted tax rate in the Nov. 8 election. Hutto ISD and the Williamson County tax office decided to postpone the delivery of tax statements until after the results of the election are known, according to the news release.

Williamson County residents with questions about property taxes can visit www.wilco.org or call 512-943-1603.

Williamson County Commissioners Vote to Reduce Property Tax

On August 30^th, the Williamson County commissioners approved a general fund budget of $126.88 million.  Cutting more than $2.6M from the proposed fiscal year 2012, the result is a reduction in property taxes rate by, approximately, 0.002312 per $100 in assessed value.  Thus, making the adopted 2012 tax rate of 0.487687 per $100 in assessed value.  Commissioners are expecting assess values of property to increase, so the decrease in rate will most likely be offset by increasing assessed values.

MLS Stat's - Austin & Cedar Park TX

Austin and the surrounding areas continue to see steady progress in home sales in the month of August. Comparing all areas feeding in to the Austin Board of REALTORS & (ACTRIS), there is no change in median price range from August 2010 to August 2011, but a slight increase in price sold (.3%). But compared to volume of listing sold from this year to last is up 21.8% & sales volume is up to 19.5%.

When compared to area CLS, which is basically 78613, or Cedar Park. The median list price is up by 2.1% to 214,250 and sold list is up 3.8% $207,500. Comparing the volume of listing sold from this year to last is up 17.3% & sales volume is up to 11.2%. We are seeing increase in sold & listing pricing in Cedar Park, even with 1 and 456 homes in Cedar Park had a foreclosure notice served.

Williamson County is one of the fasting growing counties in Texas. More people are moving in than leaving, which is great for our community. If you have any questions about the MLS statistics or about real estate in general, please feel free to contact me.

What Homeowners Affected by the Fires in Central Texas Can Do Now

Fires in Central Texas have devastated many families in the last few days. Many consumers may be searching for the necessary steps to either find a new home or continue selling their home. Officials reported that more than 1,000 homes and 100,000 acres have been destroyed in at least 57 wildfires across Texas. The Austin Board of Realtors, through their site www.austinhomesearch, is offering a guide for homeowners, homebuyers and home sellers in the Greater Austin-area and Bastrop County.

Austin Home Search has created a link that provides those affected by the wildfires assistance on finding the resource to help, and resource for those of us who want to help out.

Catastrophic fires burn thousands of acres, force evacuations across Central Texas

Central Texas is suffering under the worst drought in decades. And a local cold front was expected to combine with winds from Tropical Storm Lee, causing dry, gusty weather.Catastrophic fires burn thousands of acres, force evacuations across Central Texas

And that's exactly what happened. Winds as fast as 46 mph were recorded at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Robert Blaha. In Georgetown, winds reached 38 mph; in San Marcos, 43 mph.

Homes & property from Bastrop, Spicewood, Steiner Ranch, Pflugerville & Cedar Park suffered a devastating loss. Lets all reach out to our friends & neighbors and provide assistance. You can reach out to the Red Cross for disaster assistance.

Many of our fellow central Texans are feeling the effect of the wildfires from yesterday.

Central Texas: Snakes are Hungry & on the Move

Texas has been subject to a very long and hot drought. Many of us forget that the wildlife of our state are also under much duress with the heat. Snakes & other critters find it harder and hard to find food to eat and Central Texas snake expert told a local radio station (Jim Forsyth 1200 News Radio WOAI in San Antonio), "they're very hungry right now. The hungrier they get, they start ranging the fields looking for food." Cates further warned, "residents may encounter snakes in area where they are seldom seen."

"The three most common poisonous snakes in Texas are the common rattlesnake, the Texas coral snake and the relatively rare cottonmouth", Cates said.

Residents need to remain aware that snakes may pop up in all sorts of places throughout September and advised leaving the flip flops home in favor of leather shoes or boots when walking in or around tall grass or brush, gardening or mowing the lawn.

"Anyone unfortunate enough to suffer a snake bite should get to a doctor pronto", Cates said.

Unfortunately we may be living with more of our fellow critters as they are stressed and look for more food sources. For those in the Central Texas area. We need to stress to our children about safety in wooded areas and if your property backs up to an open field to be mindful of your backyard.

New Splash Park in Williamson County

Another addition to the great park system has opened in Williamson County. At the Southwest Williamson County Regional Park a new Splash Park is open to the public. It has three areas for kids of all ages to splash and have fun on a hot day. It includes a sand area with small fountains for the littlest ones to a water fall, water cannons and water slide. Other areas include picnic & grilling along with a concession stand. The cost for admission is $1 per person.

In addition to Cedar Park & Leander have a series of parks for all types of outdoor activity such as, BMX, Skate Park, Jogging/Bike Trails, and Dog Park. There is an area most likely to enjoy for any kid or adult.

As a resident of the area, I can’t be more happy with the parks and recreation that Cedar Park & Leander have provide to its residents.

To find out more about homes in Cedar Park & Leander, click here.

Possible new seat for Williamson County in State House

Williamson County communities may have a new seat in the Texas House of Representatives. The new district would primarily represent Cedar Park & Leander. The new seat was approved by the House of Representatives April 28th and they included a proposal to keep local municipalities in tact by Reps. Larry Gonzales (R-Round Rock) & Charles Schwertner (R-Georgetown).

To find out more about homes in Williamson County, Click Here.