Reflecting on the first anniversary of the Hays County Government Center, county officials said the $64 million facility has already accomplished what it was designed to do. It tightened security, provided a one-stop shop for most county services and allowed the wheels of justice to turn more efficiently, according to 274th District Judge Gary Steel.

"In the past, our courtroom space was very limited, and we were very limited in how we could even come over and preside," said Steel, who also serves as the county's administrative judge. "By having the extra space and extra facilities, we can literally now work all we want to. We're forcing attorneys to bring cases to the courtroom, and we're able to force those cases to trial much quicker."

The 232,000-square-foot center opened in December 2011 with space for the tax assessor-collector, elections administration and other county departments. The building also doubled the number of Hays County district courtrooms to six. With judges working more days, Steel said the Hays County Jail has been able to release inmates or move them to state facilities more promptly.