Williamson County's Board of Commissioners says the state budget standoff will soon have disastrous consequences for their bottom line.
Board Chair Jim Marlo says motor fuel tax money isn't being distributed to the county, and that dramatically affects what the highway department is able to do.
"We're not going to have the manpower to clear the roads during the winter when it snows, we're not going to have the manpower to mow the grass on county roads, or to maintain the roads. And projects, that we had lined up to do, are going to be cancelled."
Marlo says so far, the county is weathering the budget drought. But he says that can't last.
"Williamson County stands better off than a lot of the counties. You're going to see some of the counties possibly even shut down their entire highway department."
Marlo says that could mean disruptions in grass mowing, road maintenance, even snow removal if the impasse lasts into the winter. He and the other commissioners have written a letter, asking lawmakers to negotiate a budget - and soon.
The state is also not paying its share of the salaries for State's Attorney, Lead Public Defender, Assessor, Highway Engineer, and EMA Director.
Commissioner Ron Ellis says those reimbursements, combined with the motor fuel tax and video gaming, mean the state owes Williamson County nearly $158,000 every month.
Marlo says they can use a reserve fund for now, but that won't last long. He's written a letter to local lawmakers, urging them to come to an agreement to avoid project cancellations and layoffs.
