Open Government & Compliance

Open Government & Compliance Transparency

The idea of open and transparent governance in the United States has its roots in our desire to be governed by a representative and accountable body of lawmakers. Consistent with this line of thought, the Texas Open Meetings Act was designed with clear and concise guidelines dedicated to articulating the rights of Texans to redress grievances with their governing officials.

For any governing body, demonstrated compliance with transparency reporting mandates represents good faith efforts by administrations regarding holding elected and appointed officials accountable to their constituency. This is especially true of an Emergency Services District (ESD) with an appointed Board.

The Texas Comptroller Transparency Stars Program recognizes local governments for going above and beyond in their transparency efforts that accomplish the following:

• Open their books in the areas of traditional finances, contracts and procurement, economic
  development, public pensions, debt obligations, and open government and compliance.
• Provide clear and meaningful financial information by posting financial documents, as well
  as thorough summaries, visualizations, downloadable data, and other relevant information.

There are multiple areas of focus for the Transparency Stars Program. Williamson County Emergency Services District No. 3 (WCESD #3) has received stars in the areas of Traditional Finances, Debt Obligations, Public Pensions, and Contracts and Procurements which recognizes entities for their outstanding efforts in making their finances transparent for their constituents by providing easy online access to important financial data.

According to the Texas Comptroller, “Meaningful transparency leads to greater accountability. Texans work hard to earn every tax dollar they send to the state and local governments. This why we publish information about how and where those dollars are spent.” The Hutto Fire Rescue website in general and this page in particular provides information encouraged by the Texas Comptroller to support this sentiment of accountability and transparency. 

More information about the Open Government & Compliance Transparency

Information on the Transparency Star Program

Williamson County Emergency Services District No. 3 Board of Commissioners

The Williamson County Commissioners’ Court appoints five ESD commissioners to serve as the Williamson County Emergency Services District No. 3 governing body. Currently they are appointed to staggered two-year terms, represent a cross-section of the WCESD #3 constituency and meet on a regular basis to determine administrative policy and perform financial oversight.

If you are interested in becoming an ESD commissioner, you must be:

• At least 18 years of age, and
• A resident citizen of Texas that is:
  • A qualified voter within the ESD; or
  • An owner of land subject to taxation in the ESD.

The job description for a Williamson County ESD Board member can be found here. Williamson County Commissioners Court will publish when Board members’ terms are due to expire. Applications will be accepted for these volunteer positions until the vacancies are filled. The application for an ESD Commissioner position can be found here. Application must be completed and submitted to the Williamson County Precinct #4 Commissioners officer. That information can be found here.

Williamson County Emergency Services District No.2 Organizational Chart

Williamson County Emergency Services District No.2 Operational Chart

While it is our “Organizational Structure” that identifies who we are, it is our “Operational Structure” that illustrates what we do.

Williamson County Emergency Services District No.3 Board Meetings

The Williamson County Emergency Services District No. 3 Board of Commissioners meets once per month, typically on the fourth Thursday of each month, at 12 noon.  There are 12 regular monthly meetings each year, but additional meetings may be called, or the regular meetings may be rescheduled or cancelled as business needs or emergencies arise. Currently the monthly Board meetings are held at Hutto Fire Rescue Fire Station #1, 501 Exchange Blvd, Hutto, TX 78634 and are open to the public.

Meetings are live streamed from the Hutto Fire Rescue website. Viewing the meeting does not require any login credentials. The live stream can be viewed while the meeting is occurring here.

WCESD #3 strives to post video recordings of all meetings within 72 hours of the meeting conclusion. Video recordings and minutes from all WCESD #3 Board meetings can be found here.

All meeting recordings will be available for the public for a minimum of 365 days after the video has been posted. To request copies of meeting recordings or other information, please go here.

Williamson County Emergency Services District No. 3 Board Meeting Dates

WCESD #3 is committed to financial transparency and invites the public to visit our Financial Transparency pages here.

• Traditional Finances
• Debt Obligations
• Public Pensions
• Contracts and Procurements

Open Meetings Handbook

Public Information Act Handbook

Texas Ethics Commission Campaign Finance Guide For Candidates And Officeholders Who File With Local Filing Authorities

Williamson County Emergency Services District #3 Special Purpose District Report