Commissioners Discuss District Attorney Office Expansion Amid Rising Construction Costs

The Rockwall County Commissioners Court held a special meeting on August 28, 2025, to discuss pressing issues regarding office space expansion and funding for necessary construction projects. The primary focus was on the urgent need for additional office space to accommodate the growing workforce, particularly within the District Attorney's office.

Commissioners expressed concern over rising construction costs, emphasizing that if a decision is not made soon, the project could be delayed until fiscal year 2026, pushing completion back by one to two years. The estimated cost for the expansion is approximately $962,500, based on a rough assessment by Park Hill, which translates to about $250 per square foot. There was a consensus that securing funding for this project would be the most challenging aspect moving forward.

District Attorney Kendra Culpepper highlighted the limitations of the current office setup, noting that while the existing space is functional, it does not meet the needs of the office's operations. She pointed out that the office requires secure areas for handling sensitive criminal justice records, which cannot be achieved with the current layout. The discussion included the potential for moving clerks to a different space, but concerns were raised about the adequacy of that solution.

The meeting underscored the urgency of addressing the office space issue, as the current facilities are at capacity and further expansion is necessary to ensure efficient operations. The court is expected to continue deliberating on funding options and project timelines in the coming weeks.