What you need to know about Williamson County

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Williamson County

Williamson County 1320 W. Main Street Franklin, TN 37064 www.Williamsoncounty-tn.gov

History

Williamson County, established in 1779, is named for Dr. Hugh Williamson. Williamson (1735-1819) was surgeon general of the North Carolina militia, a Continental Congress member and signer of the Constitution. Franklin, its county seat, is named for his good friend, who also never lived here, Benjamin Franklin.

The county originally had been inhabited by at least five Native American cultures, including tribes of Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek, and Shawnee. Early settlers came from Virginia and North Carolina as part of the western migration following the American Revolutionary War.

Three Civil War battles were fought in the county. The Nov. 30, 1864 Battle of Franklin saw some of the highest fatalities of the war, including the deaths of six Confederate generals. Two years later, 1,481 Confederate soldiers who died in battle were re-interred on the grounds of Carnton plantation. The McGavock Confederate Cemetery is the largest private Confederate cemetery in America. The war had a significant effect on the county’s population, which did not surpass that of 1880 until 1970.

In 2017 the county’s population was 226,257.

Today the county and its individual cities are ranked among the nation’s best in the areas of education, recreation, health and cost of living. Twelve of the 25 largest publicly traded companies in the Middle Tennessee area are based here and 40 corporate headquarters call Williamson County home. Government

The Williamson County Board of Commissioners, the county’s legislative body, consists of 24 members, two from each of the county’s 12 districts. Commissioners serve four-year terms. While the Williamson County Schools’ Board of Education sets school policy, the county commission is the schools funding body.

The county mayor is elected by popular vote every four years and may serve unlimited terms. Williamson County Mayor Rogers Anderson.

Departments and Services

Williamson County Public Li-

brary: Beyond its extensive book collection, the county library offers genealogy workshops, art displays, book clubs, story time, computer classes and more. 1314 Columbia Ave., Franklin, has branches in Bethesda, College Grove, Fairview, Leiper’s Fork and Nolensville. 615-595-1243. http:// lib.williamson-tn.org/

Williamson County Parks &

Recreation: Offers extensive facilities and parks covering everything from aquatics programs, fitness and wellness, therapeutic recreation, senior programs, newsletter, planning, arts and crafts, special events, and summer activities. Its Athletic Division sponsors leagues and programs in a variety of sports throughout the county. 1120 Hillsboro Road, Franklin, 37064; 615-790-5719; www. wcparksandrec.com.

Williamson County Schools:

The county commission funds the county’s distinguished K-12 school system, guided by its own elected board and director of schools. 1320 West Main St., Franklin, 37064. 615-472-4000; www.wcs.edu. The county is also home to the self-funded Franklin Special School District and several private schools.

Williamson County Animal

Center: The county’s Animal Control Officers enforce state laws and local ordinances concerning animals, which include dogs running at large and stray animals. Though ACOs cannot remove nuisance wildlife from private property, humane traps are available to rent. The center also serves as the county’s animal shelter where dogs and cats can be adopted. 160 Claude Yates Drive, Franklin, 37064; (615)790-5590; www. adoptwcac.org.

Williamson County Highway

Department: This department constructs and maintains roads and bridges in unincorporated areas. This is the place to call to report hazardous road conditions. 302 Beasley Drive, Franklin, 37064; (615)790-5596.

Law enforcement: The Williamson County Sheriff’s department is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of the county. The department also oversees the Williamson County Jail. 408 Century Court, Franklin, 37064; (615)790-5560.

Solid Waste and Recycling:

The Williamson County Solid Waste Department manages 10 convenience centers located throughout Williamson County and two additional recycling drop-off centers. No commercial recycling or waste will be accepted at any convenience center location. Commercial waste must be taken to the county landfill. Proof of residency is required. Hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays; 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. 5750 Pinewood Road, Franklin, 37064; (615)7900742. Visit www.williamsoncounty-tn.gov/159/Convenience-Centers for a list of centers.

County Clerk: The county clerk’s office, located in the Administration Complex, is the place to head for vehicle title and registration services, business permits, marriage licenses and beer permits. 1320 W. Main St., Suite 135, Franklin, 37064; (615)790-5712; open 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Election Commission: Your go-to spot for county and local election and voting information, voter registration and more. 1320 West Main St., Suite 140, Franklin, 37064; (615)790-5711; http://www. williamsoncounty-tn.gov/40/ Election-Commission.

Driver Services Center (DMV):

Services include written and road driving tests and issuing new and renewal driver’s licenses and identification cards. Hours are 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays; Appointments available. 3830 Carothers Parkway, Franklin, 37067; (615)790-5515. www. tn.gov/safety/driver-services/ locations/williamson.html.

Williamson Medical Center:

This county-owned hospital, established in 1958, offers comprehensive medical care at its Franklin medical center and walk-in clinics. 4321 Carothers Pkwy. Franklin, 37067; (615)435-5000; www.williamsonmedicalcenter.org.

Health Department: Medical and dental services; immunizations and help with immunization records; public health education programs. Hours are 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays. 1324 W Main Street, Franklin, 37064; (615)794-1542; https://www. williamsoncounty-tn.gov/120/ Health-Department.

PHOTO: MATT MASTERS

Top 5 employers:

• Williamson County Schools • Community Health Systems • Williamson County Government • HCA Healthcare Inc. • Williamson Medical Center