Williamson County commissioners discussed options for future jail and justice operations at a May 12 special meeting, following several public comments from residents who oppose the proposed centralized justice center on SE Inner Loop in Georgetown.
What happened
In a presentation to commissioners, County Manager Rebecca Clemons laid out logistical possibilities for the future justice center location.
Expanding the current downtown facility would require a $115 million jail remodel, plumbing infrastructure upgrades and a plan to house inmates in different counties during construction, Clemons said. Georgetown's city zoning regulations limit new construction to two stories, which would restrict the expansion of the jail site.
“We looked at originally, when we were anticipating the question of, ‘Is downtown, even though it's quite a bit of space, is it sufficient for the total build out of the county?’” Precinct 3 Commissioner Valerie Covey said. ”No, it is not. And the jail is definitely not.”
Because of this, the proposed long-term solution is to build a larger, phased justice campus on 253 acres of newly acquired land along SE Inner Loop, with a targeted completion date of 2030 or 2031, Clemons said. The county approved the $75.82 million purchase of the site March 24.
There are also options to delay building the justice center for five more years, and use some of the current justice space to proceed with noncriminal operations, Clemons said. Delaying the expansion would increase the cost of the project due to inflation and increasing construction prices, she said.
“While cost is never the only consideration ... it does factor in along with numerous data points and population growth estimates,” Clemons said.
The discussion
The majority of residents who spoke during public comment oppose the site of the justice center because of its proximity to neighborhoods and schools. Many live in the nearby Saddle Creek and Carlson Place communities, and said the site is less than a mile from Wagner Middle and Mitchell Elementary schools, as well as Ride On Center for Kids.
“We are going to be worried every night we go to bed,” resident Courtney Cross said. “Is this person that's getting out of jail going to walk on down through our neighborhoods and break into our houses looking for money or for housing?”
Residents also expressed concern for home values in the nearby neighborhoods once the justice center is built.
“I think most people in this room do agree a new jail is necessary, but this location is not,” resident Jason Blue said. “The site is not compatible with a residential community. The county should not force this burden onto nearby families.”
One resident spoke in support of the proposed location, saying it represents a financial commitment to public safety and infrastructure needs.
“I honestly don't understand the fear and vociferous opposition here,” resident Jonah Gomez said. “Williamson County needs a strong justice system, space ample for current demand and [that] takes into account for growth. The space the county is currently looking at Inner Loop fits this description.”
County officials said the current downtown facilities are overcrowded, outdated and structurally failing.
Sheriff Matt Lindemann said there are severe maintenance issues, including sewage leaks caused by the jail flooding the offices below. He also said the jail's intake and secured entry areas are past maximum capacity.
District Attorney Shawn Dick said the current facility lacks necessary security, internet connectivity and the space required to safely separate victims from defendants' families during trials.
“We're not just talking about people charged with crimes coming into this building,” Dick said. “We're talking about victims. We're talking about jurors. We're talking about people that just need a civil case resolved through no fault of their own. ... The building needs to be designed for all of those people in their safety.”
What’s next
In the meantime, staff is working on how best to utilize available space in downtown properties to alleviate overcrowding as many county offices will move to the new administration building this summer.
By the end of July, several spaces downtown will be largely vacated, including:
- The historic courthouse
- The Georgetown tax office
- The internal audit office
- The county clerk's records and archives division
- The Bob Phillips building
The court decided to postpone votes on the immediate financing decisions for the justice center until its May 19 regular meeting.
“There's been no decision about the jail and the jail site,” Precinct 4 Commissioner Russ Boles said. “With that being said, let me say, I like the location of this property. ... It could be the jail and justice center, but I know that I haven't made a decision on what to do.”
