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Summary
City Summary Table of Contents
Georgetown Century Plan
Georgetown’s Long-Term Planning Process.......................................................................1
Century Plan Policy Statements, Goals and Strategies........................................................3
Annual Operating Plan Calendar of Events........................................................................11
Organization
Organizational Chart...........................................................................................................12
Community Profile
Overview.............................................................................................................................13
Historic Georgetown ...........................................................................................................13
Recreation...........................................................................................................................13
Cultural Activities ................................................................................................................14
Education............................................................................................................................14
Georgetown – Then and Now..........................................................................................................15
Location Map ...................................................................................................................................16
1
Georgetown’s Long-Term Planning Process
Georgetown Century Plan
The City of Georgetown is guided by a comprehensive strategic plan called the Georgetown
Century Plan. The Century Plan (the Plan) was created by a broad-based group of Georgetown
citizens, elected and appointed officials, and staff during the late 1980's. The Plan documents
and formalizes the goals and processes by which Georgetown will strive to enhance its quality of
life. Its foundation is the City’s mission statement and a set of 15 policy statements.
Mission Statement and Policy Statements
The City’s Mission Statement serves as a broad statement of purpose. There are fifteen citizen
defined policy statements intended to support the City's mission. Each describes in specific
terms a desired ending state or result. The Policy Statements are the vision of Georgetown at its
very best and represent the ultimate target at which all activities of the City are aimed. Policy
Statements are addressed with goals and strategies and assigned to each City Division. Each
goal represents a specific Council or citizen direction given toward achieving the more general
Policy Statement. Policy Statements may or may not have specific goals and strategies planned
for the upcoming fiscal year. More detailed planning and additional resources may be required to
identify the goals and determine the necessary strategies to achieve them.
Functional Plans
The Century Plan is further defined through periodic updates and through the development of
Functional Plan Elements that address the 15 policy statements. The Functional Plans are
created by citizen work groups and provide more detailed direction for accomplishing the Policy
Statements. Generally, one functional plan is prepared and adopted each year. Each Functional
Plan may address one or more policy statements. The policy guidance from each new Functional
Plan is incorporated into the Century Plan and determines each Policy Statement’s specific goals
and strategies. The Functional Plan elements adopted to date are:
Land Intensity Plan Transportation and Utilities Plan
Economic Development Strategic Plan Parks & Recreation Plan
Facilities and Services Plan Urban Design Plan
Airport Functional Plan
A planned update of the overall Century Plan Document is scheduled to begin in the upcoming
fiscal year.
Link to Annual Budget
The City staff and elected and appointed City Officials rely on the Policy Statements to provide
direction and guidance for recommending and authorizing the expenditure of public funds. The
budget is the Annual Operating Plan element of the Century Plan. It is prepared around the
15 policy statements, and the Functional Plans for each area are set by the City Council at its
budget workshops. Community input is also a factor in determining use of resources. Not all
Policy Statements are addressed in each Annual Operating Plan element. The Annual Operating
Plan specifically defines the methods or processes by which the City Manager and City staff will
go about achieving the desired results for each policy statement.
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Goals, Strategies and Objectives
Goals represent specific outcomes that will promote or enhance Policy Statements. Strategies
are the specific actions needed to accomplish goals. Both goals and strategies are identified
through strategic planning sessions with the senior management team and key division staff
guided by the Century Plan and Council priorities. The Annual Operating Plan Element is a
detailed look at each operational area, or department, within the City's divisions.
Each division/department within the City has developed it own unique set of Major Department
Goals which enhance its purpose and connection to the Policy Statements. Annually, each
department reviews and updates these goals and determines its Major Department Goals for
the upcoming year. Major Department Strategies are specific plans to achieve Major
Department Goals, which in turn reflect both the various Policy Statements and the specific
purpose of the particular department.
Five-Year Plans
The City uses a five-year planning horizon to prepare the capital projects program and financial
forecasts. The five-year capital projects program and the anticipated funding sources are
incorporated into and adopted with the Annual Operating Plan. The capital planning process is
discussed in more detail with the Capital Projects section. Five-year financial forecasts are
prepared to guide policy and priority decisions of staff and Council. The financial forecasts meet
fiscal and budgetary policies (see Reference Section) and are based on historical trends,
programs, and projects outlined during the other planning processes, and reasonable economic
and growth projections. The revenue forecasts from these models are included in the Financial
Summary section.
The following pages provide an overview of the Century Plan Policy Statements and the goals
and strategies planned for the upcoming year.
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City of Georgetown
Century Plan Policy Statements
Goals and Strategies
1.0 Policy Statement:
Citizens of Georgetown experience a stable, self-sustaining economy with expanding job
opportunities.
Economic Development:
Goal: Expand and diversify the City’s tax base.
Strategy: Increase cooperation with private sector developers, regional economic development
organizations, and economic development allies by providing assistance to developers with
difficulties that may occur in the development process.
Goal: Create new jobs thereby expanding the City’s tax base.
Strategy: Establish an incentive policy that include benchmarking and return on investment
criteria for prospective businesses.
Strategy: Fine-tune the Overall Strategic Economic Development Plan to include benchmarking
techniques for targeted industries.
2.0 Policy Statement:
Georgetown’s natural and physical resources are managed so that citizens enjoy the benefits
of economic and social development.
Finance and Administration - Sanitation:
Goal: Protect the environment and contribute to community cleanliness and appearance.
Strategy: Provide targeted community education on sanitation requirements including laws and
ordinances to prevent code enforcement violations.
Strategy: Develop a plan for weather related community clean-up needs.
Strategy: Implement plan for hazardous household waste collection.
3.0 Policy Statement:
Citizens, business owners and organizations enjoy the benefits of well-planned land usage in
which conflicting needs are balanced.
Management Services – City Council:
Goal: Ensure the long-term financial viability of Georgetown.
Strategy: Adopt an annexation plan that identifies planning issues and financial impacts of future
annexations.
Georgetown Utility Systems - Administration:
Goal: Maintain quality utilities and transportation systems that promote well-planned
development.
Strategy: Evaluate the cost benefit analysis of the proposed annexation plan to identify potential
revenue generation and operational costs related to utilities and transportation.
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Planning and Development - Long Range Planning:
Goal: Promote growth management strategies to guide the City’s land use, transportation,
infrastructure, and economic development decisions that will provide long-term quality of life.
Strategy: Complete the Comprehensive Transportation Plan as an element of the Century Plan
for use in determining future roadway improvements within Georgetown and the surrounding
area.
Strategy: Monitor and participate in regional transportation and other regional planning efforts.
Goal: Provide long range planning perspective to annexation and extra-territorial jurisdiction
development.
Strategy: Assist in the development of an Annexation Plan that will allow continued voluntary
annexations and potentially initiate the 3-year Council annexation process.
4.0 Policy Statement:
City owned, sponsored or managed health and human services enhance the quality of life of
the citizens of Georgetown.
Management Services - Governmental Contracts:
Goal: To ensure all citizens have access to services which support them in living safe, healthy,
and productive lives.
Strategy: Continue workshops for community and social services providers on results-oriented
performance objectives and prevention issues, and form service partnerships as appropriate.
5.0 Policy Statement:
Prehistoric and historic resources are preserved, protected and promoted for the benefit of
the citizens of Georgetown.
Economic Development – Convention & Visitor’s Bureau:
Goal: Promote the area’s cultural, recreational, historical and educational attributes to a wide
audience.
Strategy: In cooperation with the Main Street Program, expand historical walking tours and
architectural tours to include more natural attributes.
Strategy: Develop a one-stop promotional publication to increase tourism.
Planning and Development – Current Planning:
Goal: Maintain the history and character of Georgetown.
Strategy: Implement the new Unified Development Code, thus providing consistent development
guidelines that preserve Georgetown’s character and quality of life.
Strategy: Develop the Williams Drive Corridor Study to finalize land use and development
standards for the area.
Strategy: Implement the Downtown Master Plan to preserve historic Georgetown.
6.0 Policy Statement:
All citizens have access to safe and adequate housing opportunities.
Economic Development:
Goal: Expand housing and workforce opportunities in the community.
Strategy: Assist developers with difficulties in the development process that arise from the
implementation of the new Unified Development Code.
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Management Services – City Manager’s Office:
Goal: Facilitate community activities to address public requests for needs and services.
Strategy: Seek partnerships to assist the City in its efforts to develop affordable housing
options.
7.0 Policy Statement:
City owned, sponsored or managed public information and education services enhance the
quality of life of the citizens of Georgetown.
Finance and Administration - Utility Office:
Goal: Increase public awareness of utility issues and topics through proactive communication
with customers.
Strategy: Improve public awareness of water conservation and conservation issues by
expanding the summer water conservation advertising and education program.
Strategy: Educate customers for the implementation of the City’s new Cost of Service rate
structures being implemented in 2002/03.
Information Resources:
Goal: Provide timely and accurate public information via the City’s Internet web sites.
Strategy: Oversee completion of the City’s website redesign project that provides a more user-
friendly interface.
Police Services – Support Services Bureau:
Goal: Reduce crime through public education and collaborative community efforts.
Strategy: Create a proactive Crime Prevention program that educates the public on a wide
variety of crime prevention related issues.
8.0 Policy Statement:
Citizens of Georgetown feel safe and are well protected from crime and disorder, natural
disasters and emergencies.
Fire Services - Fire Operations:
Goal: Maintain an operational readiness level that will meet the emergency demands of the
community.
Strategy: Development and implement a biannual flow test and maintenance program for self-
contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) to meet Texas Commission on Fire Protection and Senate
Bill 382 requirements.
Strategy: Reinstate the annual firefighter physical program.
Fire Services – Prevention and Community Analysis:
Goal: Maintain a comprehensive public education program designed to increase awareness,
provide information and change behavior in order to manage fire, injury and natural hazards in
the community.
Strategy: Develop and implement a permit and licensing process for Fire Protection Systems
installers to protect citizens from unprofessional and deceptive business practices
Management Services - Animal Services:
Goal: Ensure that persons walking on public property in the City are free of reasonable concern
of threats by dogs running at large.
Strategy: Mark with identification microchips, pets adopted from the animal Shelter, to help in
license tracking of animals.
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Police Services - Field Operations Bureau:
Goal: Continue to improve partnerships with the community through collaborative problem
solving efforts to reduce crime.
Strategy: Develop a Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence response team to increase public
awareness of these issues.
Goal: Promote a safe drug-free community through education and enforcement.
Strategy: Establish a team to combat youth alcohol and tobacco use in public schools.
Goal: Increase offense clearance rate for improved citizen satisfaction.
Strategy: Coordinate a “case management” review team to provide assistance, guidance and
resources to enhance the overall clearance rate.
9.0 Policy Statement:
Parks, open space, recreation facilities and services, and social and cultural activities
contribute to an enhanced quality of life for the citizens of Georgetown.
Parks and Recreation - Parks Maintenance:
Goal: Improve the City of Georgetown park system to provide beautiful, safe parks and a high
quality of life.
Strategy: Inventory park playground equipment for inclusion in the capital replacement fund,
thus ensuring available funding for replacement of unsafe playground equipment.
Strategy: Provide for ongoing maintenance and operations of existing parks.
Goal: Explore funding opportunities such as grants and other sources for future park
development.
Strategy: Revise Parkland Dedication Fees to align with other cities around Georgetown and
ensure funds are available for future park needs.
Parks and Recreation - Recreation:
Goal: Ensure access to recreation facilities and programs for all residents regardless of race,
gender, age, income or physical ability.
Strategy: Expand and diversify recreation program opportunities to encompass a wider range of
activities for you and adults in athletic leagues, aquatic and fitness programs.
10.0 Policy Statement:
Citizens and commercial goods move safely and efficiently throughout all parts of the City.
Georgetown Utility Systems - Street Department:
Goal: Protect the investment in the public transportation system thorough preventive
maintenance and ongoing rehabilitation of streets and sidewalks.
Strategy: Perform maintenance upgrades to include:
• Smith Creek Road;
• Airport from Lakeway to Vortac;
• Old Town, focusing on road failures and utility patches;
• 7th and 8th Streets between Austin Ave and Main.
Police Services - Field Operations Bureau:
Goal: Encourage voluntary compliance of traffic laws through enforcement and public education
to reduce and prevent traffic accidents.
Strategy: Expand the traffic enhancement program by adding an additional traffic unit for
increased pedestrian and vehicle safety.
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11.0 Policy Statement:
Georgetown’s citizens and businesses enjoy an attractive community with a unique sense of
place and a position, identifiable image, at a cost which is consistent with other city social
and economic priorities.
Management Services - City Council:
Goal: Enhance the quality of life for the community while preserving its unique character and
natural resources.
Strategy: Adopt and implement the Unified Development Code to insure consistency of the City’s
development ordinances and preserve the character of the community.
Planning and Development - Current Planning:
Goal: Support the facilitation of a quality growth strategy which seeks to strike an optimum
balance between economic expansion through better development practices and the effective
stewardship of natural resources, municipal infrastructure and quality of life concerns.
Strategy: Implement the goals and policies of the Draft Future Land Use and Thoroughfare Plan.
12.0 Policy Statement:
City owned, sponsored or managed utilities provide safe, adequate and reliable services to
all customers.
Finance and Administration - Utility Office:
Goal: Ensure the efficient delivery of timely and accurate billing and payment information to our
customers.
Strategy: Work with Georgetown Utility Systems (GUS) and Inspection Services to develop a
Backflow Prevention Program, to be billed through the utility bill using the new CIS.
Georgetown Utility Systems - Energy Services - Electric Operations:
Goal: Provide reliable, cost efficient electric service for our customers.
Strategy: Automate distribution equipment to aid outage detection, service restoration and
system reliability.
Strategy: Expand the yearly meter testing and thermovision program for all electric facilities to
increase system reliability and ensure revenue reliability.
Strategy: Explore functionality of outage management software and integrated voice response
software to enhance customer service.
Georgetown Utility Systems - Energy Services - SCADA - AMR:
Goal: Assist utility customers in conservation efforts by providing accurate, individualized water
and electric consumption data.
Strategy: Install SCADA controlled equipment in Georgetown, Gabriel and Rivery substations to
improve identification of outage causes and locations that will aid in service restoration and
troubleshooting.
Georgetown Utility Systems - Transportation Services - Stormwater Drainage:
Goal: Reduce the threat of property damage and personal injury, and enhance public safety
through proper maintenance and operation of the City’s drainage system.
Strategy: Expand the in-house maintenance program to include wet detention ponds.
Strategy: Maintenance upgrades to include:
• Improve drainage on Church Street; and
• Correct drainage issues at Pine and 13th Street.
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Georgetown Utility Systems - Water Services - Pump Maintenance:
Goal: Provide high quality service to our customers 24 hours a day with experienced well-trained
Water and Wastewater system operators.
Strategy: Implement a wastewater line mapping/categorizing system and begin an inspection
program of all existing wastewater lines.
Georgetown Utility Systems - Water Services - Water Distribution:
Goal: Maintain highest standard of water quality, meeting EPA and Texas Commission on
Environmental Quality (TCEQ) standards.
Strategy: Continue to reduce current water loss rate by repairing or replacing existing faulty
service piping.
Strategy: Develop and implement a department training program to improve personnel
experience levels and obtain water licenses.
Georgetown Utility Systems - Water Services – Reuse Irrigation:
Goal: Reduce the demands of treatment plants for potable water.
Strategy: Expand the irrigation utility to Georgetown Country Club, further reducing the demand
for potable water.
Georgetown Utility Systems - Water Services - Wastewater Collection:
Goal: Maintain all public wastewater collection system lines in free-flowing condition to protect
the public health and environment.
Strategy: Reduce wastewater obstructions by 20% over the system, thus decreasing calls for
service through line rehabilitation and replacement.
Strategy: Implement the Edwards Aquifer Testing Program to ensure the water quality of the
aquifer.
13.0 Policy Statement:
The City provides for the safety of its citizens and supports the responsive delivery of
coordinated services by the City and other public agencies.
Finance and Administration - Facilities Maintenance:
Goal: Provide quality maintenance of City of Georgetown public facilities which fosters a safe and
positive atmosphere for our employees and citizens.
Strategy: Provide construction coordination and oversight for the construction/renovation of the
Municipal Complex and the Council Chambers/Municipal Court projects.
Strategy: Coordinate the selection of an architect and complete design for the relocation of the
Animal Shelter and Parks Maintenance renovations.
Finance and Administration - Vehicle Service Center:
Goal: Ensure a safe and efficient fleet for City operations.
Strategy: Implement an accelerated replacement program for patrol vehicles to reduce the
average age of the patrol cars by 1 year.
Strategy: Increase professionalism of all mechanics by obtaining Automotive Service Excellence
(ASE) certifications.
Information Resources:
Goal: Provide cost effective information technology management services.
Strategy: Identify and pursue possible outsourcing partnerships for management of the City’s
core systems to provide cost-effective technology.
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Management Services - Human Resources & Safety Services:
Goal: Provide services and tools to create and maintain an environment where employees are
treated fairly and consistently.
Strategy: Complete development and implementation of the human resource information system
to increase efficiency in managing employee data and records.
Strategy: Develop supervisor and administrative assistant resource manuals to provide
guidance on policy administration, safety processes, staffing and payroll procedures, benefits,
and compensation.
Strategy: Identify City-wide training curriculum by position and provide additional supervisor and
employee training to continue employee development and job satisfaction.
14.0 Policy Statement:
All municipal operations are conducted in an efficient business-like manner and sufficient
financial resources for both current and future needs are provided.
Finance and Administration - Administration:
Goal: Plan for the City’s future financial growth.
Strategy: Analyze financial impacts of various development projects to ensure minimal financial
risk to the City.
Strategy; Develop a cost/benefit analysis tool to determine financial viability of future
annexations.
Strategy: Review cost of service needs for all utility services and recommend fee and rate
adjustments as needed.
Strategy: Coordinate the 2002/03 bond issues for both City and Georgetown Transportation
Enhancement Corporation (GTEC) projects.
Goal: Evaluate and make recommendations on City operations to make the City more effective in
providing services to the citizens of Georgetown and more efficient in use of City resources.
Strategy: Develop a capital leasing program for City equipment that is cost efficient and easy to
administer.
Finance and Administration - Accounting:
Goal: Provide financial reporting conformity with generally accepted accounting principles that
receives the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Certificate of Achievement.
Strategy: Implement Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) Statement Number 34,
as mandated for reporting purposes.
Management Services - Airport:
Goal: Operate the Airport as a self-supporting enterprise, whereby costs are minimized with
maximum efficiency.
Strategy: Conduct an Airport performance audit to identify potential cost savings and improve
efficiency in operations.
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15.0 Policy Statement:
A high level of cooperation and involvement exists among Georgetown’s citizens and
governmental relations.
Management Services - City Manager’s Office:
Goal: Ensure the delivery of quality services to citizens through effective management and
efficient administration.
Strategy: Review departmental efficiency and identify areas for possible outsourcing while
maintaining high levels of service.
Goal: Improve citizen awareness and understanding of City programs, services and issues and
promote a positive public image of the organization.
Strategy: Expand the Public Information Program to improve community understanding of City
services.
Management Services - City Council:
Goal: Promote community involvement and participation in local government.
Strategy: Increase the number of polling locations for local elections for convenience of voters.
Fire Services – Prevention and Community Analysis:
Goal: Promote a positive image to the community by bringing services to the neighborhoods and
soliciting community involvement.
Strategy: Expand the Risk Watch program to include the middle schools in the Georgetown
Independent School District to increase awareness and provide information for our youth.
Strategy: Develop and implement a residential Knox Box program in the Sun City neighborhood
for quick access for emergency responses.
2002/03 Annual Operating Plan (AOP)
Calendar of Events for Budget Adoption & Implementation
Planning and Preparation
January - February *AOP process schedule set.
*Five-year Capital Projects plan updated using systems engineering models and city-wide review team.
March - April *Five-year strategic planning issues and assumptions identified by senior management team.
*Finance and Administration and Information Resources staff meets with divisions on Internal Service
Fund (ISF) needs for 2002/03.
*Five-year Capital Improvements Plan reviewed by City Manager and senior management team.
*Five-year Capital Improvements Plan presented to Council and public.
May *Mid-year Review of 2001/02 Annual Operating Plan presented to Council.
*Preview 2002/03 budget concerns.
*Base budget preparation for existing programs.
*Finance finalizes 5 year utility models.
June *Five-year financial forecast models updated.
*Annual review and update of Fiscal and Budgetary Policy.
*Departmental narrative and Program Request information provided to Divisions.
*Council Budget Priorities discussed at public workshop.
*Budget packages prepared in accordance with Council guidelines and Georgetown Century Plan.
*Revenue and expenditure projections finalized.
July *Work sessions with Divisions conducted with Finance.
*AOP Workbook prepared by Finance & Administration and distributed to Council.
*Tax roll finalized.
*Property Tax Rate and revenue projections finalized.
Adoption
August *Finalize 2002/03 Programs.
*Finalize 2002/03 proposed tax rate.
*Certified tax roll is accepted by Council.
City Manager's budget is presented to Council for review.
September *Final recommendations and AOP Summary distributed to Council and public.
*Public hearings on proposed budget held.
*Budget and tax rate ordinances presented to and adopted by Council.
October 1 *Implement 2002/03 Annual Operating Plan.
Budget Amendments
Budget amendments may be made during the year in accordance with state law and city charter. See
detailed requirements in the Budget and Financial Policies included in the Reference Section. Typically,
budget amendments are proposed to Council as part of the Mid Year AOP Review in May of each year
and at fiscal year end.
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A Home Rule City
HUMAN
RESOURCESLIBRARY
CITY ATTORNEY CITY SECRETARY
ENGINEERING
SERVICES
WATER
SERVICES
ENERGY
SERVICES
TRANSPORTATION
SERVICES
ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER
FOR
UTILITIES
ANIMAL SERVICES
AIRPORT
FIRE
SERVICES
POLICE
SERVICES
PARKS
and
RECREATION
PLANNING
and
DEVELOPMENT
INFORMATION
RESOURCES
ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER
FOR
OPERATIONS
Municipal
Court
Administration
ACCOUNTING
Vehicle
Service
Center
Purchasing
Facilities
Maintenance
SUPPORT
SERVICES
Sanitation
Services
UTILITY
OFFICE
FINANCE
AND
ADMINISTRATION
CONVENTION
and
VISITOR'S BUREAU
ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
CITY MANAGER MUNICIPAL COURT JUDGE APPOINTED
BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
CITY COUNCIL
MAYOR (elected at large)
SEVEN COUNCIL PERSONS
(elected by district)
CITIZENS OF GEORGETOWN
Community Profile
Overview
Founded July 4, 1848, Georgetown was originally the agricultural trade center for the county and surrounding
area. After the Civil War, Reconstruction brought prosperity to Georgetown through four main industries --
cattle, cotton, the university and the railroad. Georgetown has enjoyed consistent growth and development
through the years.
In recent years the City has become more industrialized and commercially oriented. Along with the commercial
growth, Georgetown has successfully promoted tourism. Tourism has become a significant economic benefit
to the community.
The City of Georgetown’s estimated 2002 population was 34,273 within the city limits, with an estimated
population of 55,000 including the extraterritorial jurisdiction. Georgetown is a Home Rule Charter City and
operates under the Council-Manager form of government. A mayor and seven council members are elected
from single-member districts. Elections are held the first Saturday in May.
Historic Georgetown
Since the 1980's Georgetown has been
synonymous with Main Street, a downtown
economic development effort administered
through the Texas Historical Commission
and the National Main Street Center. Over
$30 million has been reinvested in our
economy through the revitalization efforts of
the downtown area. Private and public
entities joined in partnership to restore and
renovate downtown commercial structures,
public buildings as well as building new
structures to help anchor the commercial
district. This unprecedented success has
made our community the shining star of the
Texas Main Street program and an example
for small cities nationwide to follow. It has
been the building block for Georgetown’s
recent economic development gains.
The Georgetown Square is considered by many to be the finest example in the state of a Victorian town
square. Our historic square is certainly the magnet that draws people to Georgetown. However, once they're
here, people soon realize there's much more to our community. It's a town with a strong identity and people
who care about it... people that make sure we never stop trying to enhance both Georgetown's appeal and the
lives of those who choose to live here.
Recreation
Georgetown offers a wealth of recreation. In Georgetown there are currently twenty three city parks comprising
nearly 380 total acres. The parks range from a half-acre neighborhood park to the one hundred-acre city wide
San Gabriel Park. The parks include a wide range of facilities including: softball and baseball fields, soccer
fields, playground equipment, individual and group picnic shelters, basketball and tennis courts, disc golf, a hike
and bike trail and five swimming pools. The San Gabriel Park also has a community center, sunken garden,
gazebo, football stadium, rodeo area, and a Creative Playscape for children. The Georgetown Recreation
Center has a full basketball and volleyball court, two racquetball courts, a game room, weight room, kitchen,
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conference room and large and small activity
rooms. The City purchased and opened the
Georgetown Tennis Center in September 1999.
The facility includes a full size swimming pool and
baby pool, 11 tennis courts and activity center on 7
wooded acres. The City of Georgetown Parks and
Recreation Division was chosen as the winner of
the 1999 Gold Medal Award for excellence in
recreation and park management.
Cultural Activities
Cultural activity thrives in Georgetown. Southwestern University's contribution of quality theater, dance, fine
arts and lecture events add a valuable dimension to our cultural life. The Art deco-styled Palace Theatre,
located on the downtown square, was renovated and rejuvenated by townspeople. The Palace Theatre
showcases events such as singing acts, plays, talent shows and every second Saturday of the month the
Theatre hosts the Georgetown Opry. Georgetown always has a full calendar of local events including a fall
Antique Show, a Fourth of July celebration with music, food and fireworks and ethnic celebrations. Other major
annual events include the Christmas Stroll, Red Poppy Festival, and the Bluegrass Festival.
Education
Georgetown Independent School District (GISD) serves the City
and the surrounding area, having a current enrollment of over 8,300
students. The District operates eight elementary schools, three
middle schools, one ninth grade campus, one high school and one
alternative educational school. There are also three private schools
and two parochial schools in the area.
The public school system is exceptional in the quality of teachers
and programs offered. The District is fully accredited by the Texas
Education Agency. During their most recent visit, members of TEA
commended the District for individual teacher excellence, including
good daily lesson planning, good classroom organization, and
above-average student test scores, and recognized the student
body as well for good behavior.
Georgetown is the home of Southwestern University, a private four-
year undergraduate institution, offering a traditional liberal arts and
sciences curriculum. The top-ranked national liberal arts college in
Texas and the southwest, Southwestern University maintains an
unwavering commitment to first-rate academic programs. The
University has a current enrollment of 1,320. Located 10 blocks
from the City's central business district, present facilities include
some 39 buildings located on approximately 500 acres.
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Georgetown – Then and Now
This is a comparison of Georgetown today and as it was a decade ago.
Population has doubled
Growth has been constant
Tax base has quadrupled
Tax rate, including debt portion, is lower
1992/93 2002/03
Population 17,181 35,300
Customer Growth 3 - 5% 4 - 6%
Building Permits Issued 108 685
Unemployment Rate 4.2 5.75
Appraised Values $540,292,967 $2,191,067,416
Total Tax Rate $0.39 $0.30261
Streets Capital Costs $120,000 $450,000
Maintenance on Streets $75,000 $850,000
Debt Service Tax Rate $0.18 $0.09954
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Location
Georgetown is the northern most “gateway” to the gently rolling hills of
Central Texas. While Georgetown offers the amenities and charm of a small
community rooted in
values of days gone
by, it’s strategically
and centrally located
in the middle of the
four major
metropolitan areas of
Texas. Austin is 26
miles south, Dallas is
two hours north,
Houston is two hours
southwest and San
Antonio is one-and-a-
half hours south,
placing Georgetown
in a very
advantageous
position for cultural
and economic
development. Access
to Georgetown via the
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and the north/south highway artery
of Interstate 35 and east/west highway artery of Highway 29 make traveling
to and from Georgetown easy.