The details
Cameron Glass, a representative with project manager Kitchell, presented an overview of Phase 1 and discussed next steps at the meeting.
After evaluating current conditions and assessing long-term Justice Center needs, Kitchell confirmed the county will need to construct a new facility.
“We found that in a lot of cases, you are out of space,” Glass said. “The facility's been kept up, ... but it does start to show its age inside.”
As part of Phase 1, Kitchell looked at future jail capacity needs, projected number of courts and caseloads, and office space requirements to build 25-year and 50-year forecasts.
“These projections are working and being set out to ensure that your future facilities are right-sized and that they're aligned with the long-term needs and requirements of the county,” Glass said.
What’s next
The planning firm looked at 37 potential sites for the complex in Phase 1 and narrowed down a “short list” for further consideration in Phase 2, Glass said.
Phase 2 will also include programming concepts and will wrap up in mid-2026, Glass said. The county hopes to open the new Justice Center complex by 2030, according to a tentative project schedule.
“Ultimately Phase 2, I think, would start you all on a real better understanding of costs,” Glass said.
What they’re saying
“One thing that's going to be very important during this whole process, as everyone knows, is the communication to our citizens in Williamson County,” County Judge Steve Snell said at the meeting. “Once we get through all the Phase 2 and move on and if the public sees that price tag, there's going to be some sticker shock.”
