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Smith For Fifth
October 2025
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"Exciting News & County Updates"
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Message from the Commish...
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I’m a bit behind on this month’s newsletter, and I appreciate your grace. It has been a difficult season for my family and me. At the end of September, I lost my mother, a tremendous loss that has left a deep ache in our lives. While I miss her dearly, I find comfort in knowing she has been reunited with my dad in Heaven, and I hold tightly to the promise that I will see them both again one day.
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The photo above was taken on the day of her memorial service. It holds special meaning to me because one of her final wishes was that my son and son-in-law, both serving our country in uniform, would be two of her pallbearers. That moment was a powerful reminder of the legacy of faith, family, and service she instilled in me.
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Losing both of my parents has brought a new clarity to my purpose. Their lives were examples of humble leadership, compassion, and unwavering commitment to serving others. It is their legacy that fuels my resolve today, not just to talk about service, but to live it out boldly. That is why I am stepping forward as a candidate for Williamson County Mayor.
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For the past three years, it has been my honor to serve you as a County Commissioner. During that time, I’ve gained firsthand experience tackling the challenges that come with unprecedented growth—strains on our infrastructure, pressure on our budget, and threats to our quality of life and rural heritage. I believe every challenge we face has a solution, but it will require thoughtful planning, fiscal discipline, and strong collaboration across every level of leadership.
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I am running because I believe in Williamson County, its people, its values, and its future. I believe our best days are ahead of us. But if we don’t take action now, we risk losing the very character, freedom, and sense of community that drew so many of us here in the first place. Together, we can protect what we love while planning responsibly for our future.
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You can read more about my decision and platform in the press release published by the Williamson Herald.
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Thank you for your continued prayers, encouragement, and support. I look forward to the road ahead—and to building a future we can all be proud of.
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Yours in service,
Mary Smith
#ActaNonVerba
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Campaign Kickoff – You’re Invited!
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📅 Saturday, November 1st
📍 Homestead Manor | Thompson’s Station
🎟 Free & Family Friendly
🎶 Live Music
🍔 Free Food
🤝 Everyone Welcome!
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Let’s begin this journey together surrounded by community, fellowship, and a shared vision for the future of Williamson County. I truly hope to see you there!
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County Commission Meeting Highlights
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The Williamson County Commission met on Monday, October 13th. Below are several key takeaways from the meeting.
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Two commissioners were absent:
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Resolution 10-25-1 – Chartwell Contract Extension
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This resolution extended the county’s contract with Chartwell to continue operating the conference center at the Marriott Cool Springs. While much of the discussion centered around financial terms and historical performance, my position came down to a core principle:
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Government should not compete with private enterprise.
Our role should be to create conditions for the private sector to flourish—not to act as a business operator with taxpayer resources.
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For that reason, I did not support the continuation of this arrangement. Please see the final vote below.
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General Obligation Bonds – Resolutions 10-25-14 & 10-25-15
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These resolutions authorized bonds to address several capital needs across the county. The votes were as follows:
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Resolution 10-25-14: Passed with 1 no vote (Commissioner Richards)
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Resolution 10-25-15: Passed with 3 no votes (Commissioners Torres, Richards, and Petty)
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While I had hoped we could identify alternative funding sources or cost-saving measures to avoid additional debt, time constraints made that impossible within this fiscal year. The choice before us was clear: either fund essential needs now or delay them once again, what many call “kicking the can down the road.”
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Given the urgency of these projects and our responsibility to serve the growing needs of the county, I supported moving forward. However, I continue to believe there are meaningful savings still to be found, and I will keep advocating for responsible funding as we begin next year’s budget discussions.
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Tax Relief for Seniors
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Williamson County first introduced the Broad-Based Tax Relief Program for seniors in 2007 to help ease the burden of rising property taxes. While the program includes an automatic 3.3% annual increase, it has not kept pace with the real cost of living in our county—especially for seniors on fixed incomes.
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To ensure the program better reflects today’s economic realities, I have proposed raising the qualifying income threshold from $47,260 to $63,000. This adjustment will allow more seniors—many of whom have spent their lives contributing to our community—to remain in their homes and maintain their financial independence.
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Septic Permit Process
For years, many homeowners and property owners have struggled with delays and confusion in obtaining septic permits. While there have been improvements, significant challenges still remain. Commissioners Brian Clifford and Judy Herbert have been actively working to streamline the process, increase transparency, and reduce turnaround times. Meaningful updates are expected in the near future, and I will continue to monitor progress to ensure homeowners receive the efficient service they deserve.
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Wireless Communications Towers
Earlier this year, the County Commission voted to increase the setback requirements for wireless communications towers near schools to better protect students and surrounding neighborhoods. We are now taking the next step by strengthening public notification requirements and ensuring service providers clearly demonstrate both the need for a tower and the suitability of a proposed location before a permit is issued. These updates aim to balance improved wireless service with responsible community planning and property rights.
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Proposed Sale of Williamson Medical Center
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There are ongoing discussions regarding the potential sale of Williamson Medical Center. Recent concerns include how the Request for Proposal (RFP) process is being handled and questions about how any sale proceeds could legally be used by the county. These are complex and evolving issues with long-term implications for healthcare access, taxpayers, and county finances. Expect continued debate and additional clarity during upcoming committee meetings. I remain committed to transparency and ensuring the public has access to accurate information throughout this process.
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All of the following meetings will be held at:
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Next County Commission Meeting - November 10th @ 6:00PM - Main Auditorium
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If you like what you see, please be sure to share with your friends. The more we educate ourselves, the more we can become active participates in our amazing community. You can subscribe here. Also, if you are interested in supporting my efforts to preserve and protect Conservative values in Williamson County, please consider making a donation.
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Appearance in uniform does not imply endorsement by the Department of Transportation or the Department of Homeland Security.
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