The construction and real estate company is the manager for the project, which will build a new jail and office space in Georgetown.
The history
The current Justice Center, next to the county-operated jail at 306 W. Fourth St., Georgetown, was built in 1990. At that time, Williamson County had a population of about 139,000 residents, according to the United States Census Bureau.
The facility was last expanded in 2004, when the county had a population of about 319,000. Today, Williamson County is home to almost 730,000 residents, a number that is growing every year.
This population growth, as well as the aging infrastructure, contributes to the demand for detention centers, courts, ”probation and diversion programs,“ Glass said.
Kitchell also found the county’s current facility is facing operational challenges like staffing shortages, causing court backlogs. Although the jail is compliant with state regulations, there are plumbing issues and outdated building layout, Glass said.
“With what you’re working with, you should be applauded,” Glass said.
About the project
Commissioners have discussed building the new Justice Center complex outside of downtown Georgetown. Although the court has not identified a site yet and is still in the preliminary stages of planning, Kitchell anticipates a $1.5 billion project through “phased, strategic investment,” Glass said.
“It’s staggering to think of the size of this project and the cost of this project, but the need is definitely there,” County Judge Steven Snell said.
Kitchell has looked at 35 potential sites for the project, 10 of which fit the needed criteria. The county will need at least 80 acres of buildable land to house the facilities, Glass said.
“Because of the growth of Georgetown, there are very few parcels large enough that will accommodate what we need,” Precinct 3 Commissioner Valerie Covey said at the Sept. 16 meeting. “We got to get it right for the long haul—for the forever build.”
Commissioners also hope to house other county operations at the site.
“I want to make sure that we’re looking at a big enough site that might also be able to include a consolidation of some other county operations,” Precinct 2 Commissioner Cynthia Long said.
What they’re saying
In the public hearing for the Justice Center project, District Attorney Shawn Dick expressed his support for the new complex because of the need for updated facilities.
“We just don’t want to let perfect be the enemy of the good,” Dick said. “There’s never going to be a perfect piece of land, there’s never going to be a perfect building, there’s never going to be a perfect time. But we’ve really outgrown the justice center seven or eight years ago, and we just can’t wait any longer to tackle the justice system and get us a new building.”
Something to note
Interim plans for jail and justice employees include tearing down a property across from the current jail, which commissioners purchased Sept. 9. Williamson County is working with the city of Georgetown to build temporary offices at the site, County Manager Rebecca Clemons said at the Sept. 16 meeting.
