Washington County holds groundbreaking ceremony for new Public Safety Building

The $41M project is slated for completion in 2028.

By the MVI

Construction will soon begin on a new Washington County public safety building after a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of the $41 million project.

Washington County Commissioner Chairman Nick Sherman and Commissioner Electra Janis were joined by other dignitaries Thursday as they celebrated the construction of the three-story facility that will be located at 100 W. Beau St., in downtown Washington, following the demolition of the former Courthouse Square building earlier this summer.

“The history of this project dates back to the previous administration, which did not prioritize safety or invest in fixing Courthouse Square when it was deemed structurally unsound. We could no longer band-aid the problem; we needed a long-term fix,” Sherman said. “We’ve demolished the old building and are moving forward with a public safety model that has proven successful in neighboring counties like Beaver and Lawrence.

“But just as important as what we’re building is how we’re paying for it. The bulk of this project is being funded with American Rescue Plan dollars provided by the federal government for capital projects and infrastructure improvements. These are funds that were specifically intended for investments like this, allowing us to make a significant investment in public safety while limiting the burden on local taxpayers. That is responsible stewardship of the resources we have been entrusted with.”

In July, Sherman and Janis, both Republicans, voted in favor of the four bids, while Commissioner Larry Maggi voted against them. Maggi expressed concerns that taxes will have to go up due to additional debts from the project.

In 2024, Maggi voted against a $12.5 million taxpayer bond to fund the building project. He wanted to wait until a clear cost assessment was made, especially when considering the building’s foundation is directly above pyrite, a mineral that is extremely vulnerable to water damage and can damage building foundations.

Maggi still doesn’t support the project and didn’t attend Thursday’s groundbreaking.

“The new construction will be at the site of the old Courthouse Square building, which was allegedly built on pyrite and razed after being deemed unsafe,” Maggi said, noting that pyrite, also referred to fool’s gold, is a mineral known to cause damage to building foundations. “I have not been shown any proof that the alleged pyrite problem at the site has been remediated.”

Maggi, who said he is a “strong supporter of the county’s public safety department,” is against placing this amount of debt on the backs of the county’s taxpayers. He is also concerned that the $41 million plan is incomplete and includes a cost-saving measure that will leave the top floor of the building unfinished.

Maggi believes the building is unnecessary, because the county’s existing 911 facility was not affected by the recent demolition of the old Courthouse Square building.

“The 911 operations will still be housed in the existing structure; therefore, this new public safety building will primarily be used for county office space,” Maggi said. “My concern is that the commissioners are spending and borrowing a vast amount of money that will cause more debt and burden to our county taxpayers. Times are financially difficult for our residents, and they are being forced to reduce their own spending out of necessity. It’s time for the county to do the same thing.”

The public safety building will provide a centralized location for several county first responder and public safety agencies, with safety, security and continuity of operations at the forefront of its design.

The first floor will house the county’s 911 center, which will be designed to meet federal requirements and include additional safety measures intended to minimize service interruptions. The facility will also provide space for regional emergency management training.

The second floor will house the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. The third floor is expected to provide potential space for county legal and court-related services, diversion programming, and mental health follow- up services in coordination with the county’s Department of Human Services.

“Washington County has never had a project of this magnitude, but when it comes to public safety, this is the kind of investment we owe to the people who protect us every day,” Janis said. “Our first responders are our first line of defense, and they deserve a secure, modern facility that supports the critical work they do for our residents. This building is more than brick and mortar. It represents our commitment to strengthening public safety, giving our emergency services the tools and technology they need, and ensuring Washington County is prepared to protect our communities for years to come.”

The initial plans for the facility included a booking center, but county officials determined that the model was not cost effective and had not demonstrated strong results in other communities. As a result, the space will instead be available for potential court-related programs.

The county has contracted with Massaro Construction Group as the general contractor, Lugaila Mechanical Inc. for mechanical and HVAC work, Wheels Mechanical Contracting & Supplier Inc. for plumbing and fire suppression, and Calista Electric Inc. for electrical work. NAI Burns Scalo is serving as the owner’s representative for Washington County.

“We are honored to stand alongside the Washington County Commissioners as construction begins on this landmark project,” said Brian Walker, president of NAI Burns Scalo. “This building is more than a construction project. It is a long-term investment in the people who protect and serve Washington County every day. Having successfully completed the demolition and site preparation phases, we are excited to see this vision move from planning to reality and proud to serve as the County’s trusted representative throughout the process.”

Construction is targeted for completion in early 2028, coinciding with the anticipated launch of the county’s new 911 radio system. That project is already underway, with towers being repaired and constructed throughout the county to address connectivity issues and bring the systems used by local first responders up to national standards.