WASHINGTON CO. COMMISSIONERS TO VOTE ON ISSUING UP TO $45 MILLION IN CERTIFICATES OF OBLIGATION FOR JUDICIAL CENTER
Washington County Commissioners will vote on Tuesday on the issuance of certificates of obligation (COs) pertaining to the proposed judicial center project.
The judicial center, which would carry the issuance of up to $45 million in COs, would be a roughly 70,000-square-foot facility that houses two district courtrooms, a county court at law courtroom, and a community space that can serve as an extra courtroom. It would also include a detention area for inmates that connects to the jail via a secure inmate corridor.
Another project that was originally considered for COs, a $16 million covered rodeo arena at the Washington County Expo, is now expected to go for a bond election this fall after commissioners opted to only put the judicial center on the CO issuance.
County officials have cited the likelihood of increased costs down the line, whether with potential interest rate hikes or inflation with construction and infrastructure expenses, as large reasons for wanting to pursue the COs, since funding from them would come in more quickly than a bond election. Some residents, though, have started a petition process with the goal of having both proposals appear on the ballot, arguing that the public should be able to vote on the projects given their estimated cost.
The estimated tax rate increase for both projects would be $0.0395, while the rate would go up $0.0260 for just the judicial center. The county says many qualifying homeowners age 65 and older would see little or no increases to their homestead taxes, because of the senior homestead exemption and tax ceiling.
Later, commissioners will look to approve an order for the November 3rd general election as recommended by the Texas Secretary of State. The deadline for the county to order an election, whether for the general election or a special election, is Monday, August 17th.
Also on Tuesday, commissioners will:
- Consider the Washington County Fair Trail Ride right-of-way permit application.
- Vote on a resolution and contract amendment to commit up to $21,535 towards the cost of an archeological study in support of a Community Development Block Grant Mitigation contract through the execution of an amendment to the grant administration services between the county and GrantWorks, Inc.
- Act on an order of public interest and the plat revision for the Bluebonnet Ridge subdivision.
- Accept a $300 donation from Burton Friends and Neighbors for the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
- Consider the official bond for sheriff’s office reserve deputy, Erik Marmol.
- Act on the appointment and the official bond for David Blakey as reserve deputy constable with the Washington County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office.
- Read a proclamation recognizing August 11th as 811 Day in Washington County and encouraging safe digging practices.
Commissioners will meet Tuesday at 9 a.m. at the Washington County Courthouse.
Click here to view the agenda packet for Tuesday's meeting.