The County Attorney’s office has received several inquiries regarding local governing body’s ability to mandate masks in violation of the Governor’s executive order. The governor’s executive order is still controlling law and any mask mandates by local governing bodies are illegal.

The Williamson County Office of Emergency Management, in partnership with the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) and the Texas Military Department, will be hosting free COVID-19 testing in the cities of Hutto, Jarrell, and Taylor from July 6 to July 10. All three sites are walk-up sites and will not require an appointment prior to being tested. People interested in getting tested will be asked to park and line up for their turn. It is important to note that due to demand there may be long wait times. Residents are urged to bring a water bottle and a form of shade to cover from the sun if necessary. People do not need to have symptoms in order to be tested. Testing locations will be open at 10 a.m. until testing supplies last. 

On May 6, Williamson County officially launched its Wilco Forward program, which aims to provide grants for local business owners that have been impacted financially by the COVID-19 pandemic. More than $18.5 million has been given out to small businesses as of May 21. Wilco Forward was developed by a strike team that includes County Treasurer Scott Heselmeyer, Precinct 3 Commissioner Valerie Covey, and Precinct 4 Commissioner Russ Boles. The program began accepting applications on May 6 and has mailed more than 1,600 checks as of May 28. Applications will be submitted online through the county’s website at www.wilco.org/forward to the Williamson County Auditor’s Office.