Taylor, Texas

Taylor, Texas, in Williamson County, is just 29 miles northeast of Austin. Known as “The Zest of Texas,” Taylor has welcomed an influx of new residents aged 25-35 years old because of their invigorating effect on the city. The diverse, highly educated new residents typically relocate to Taylor seeking affordable housing, a friendly, small town atmosphere, and a short commute to jobs in the Greater Austin area. At the intersection of State Highways 79 and 95 in the Texas Hill Country, Taylor is within close proximity to not only the state capitol of Austin, but Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas as well.

Home to 15,344 residents in 2009 (U.S. Census), Taylor started out as a railroad town in 1876. Like many Texas cities, Taylor was constructed in anticipation of the International & Great Northern Railroad, and it quickly became a pivot-point for moving cattle, cotton, and grain.

Surrounded by corn and cotton fields, agriculture is a staple of Taylor Texas' economy. Taylor’s economy is also based on light manufacturing and light industry. The city’s largest employer, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, operates the electric grid for 75% of Texas. Other major industrial employers include Durcon Incorporated, Taylor Bedding, E. R. Carpenter Co., BABECO, and Burrows Cabinets.

The Taylor Community Profile lists other top employers in Taylor as the Taylor Independent School District, Corrections Corporation of America (Don Hutto Residential Center), and Wal-Mart. Taking care of the healthcare needs of Taylor, the Scott & White Hospital, a 25-bed acute care hospital with 24-hour emergency room service, employs approximately 200 persons.

Taylor boasts a host of historical landmarks, the highlight being the Moody Museum. This restored 1887 Victorian house was the birthplace of Governor Dan Moody. Moody is best known for his prosecution of the KKK in Williamson County while he was the District Attorney.

Outdoor fun in Taylor is enhanced by the new state-of-the-art 75-acre Taylor Regional Park and Sports Complex. Adjacent to the sports complex is the East Williamson County Event Center, home of the Taylor Annual Rodeo.

District courts are the primary trial courts in Texas, being state trial court of general jurisdiction. The Texas Constitution also provides for a county court in each of Texas's 254 counties. Each county in Texas is divided according to population into at least one and not more than eight justice precincts.

In Williamson County, Texas, all five district courts: 26th District Court, 277th District Court, 368th District Court, 395th District Court, and 425th District Court are located in the Justice Center in Georgetown, the county seat.

Justice courts generally have exclusive jurisdiction of civil matters, including personal injury lawsuits, only when the amount in controversy does not exceed $200. Generally, the county courts have concurrent jurisdiction with justice courts in civil cases where the matter in controversy exceeds $200 but does not exceed $10,000 and concurrent jurisdiction with the district courts in civil cases where the matter in controversy exceeds $500 but does not exceed $5,000. The district courts have jurisdiction in civil matters with a minimum monetary limit but no maximum limit. The fourteen Texas Courts of Appeals handle most of Texas’ civil appeals from the district and county-level courts, while the Texas Supreme Court has statewide, final appellate jurisdiction in most civil cases.

The Guide to Texas Legislative Information provides brief definitions of terms associated with the legislative process to help you understand the terms you may hear in court.