During the July 23 public-comment period, resident Steve Keats asked whether a new court building (Justice Center) would be built, raised questions about regional transportation and homelessness services, and sought the county's view on a proposed project called "Acadia." Commissioner Kevin Ross responded with details about the county's facilities planning process and next steps.

Ross said the county conducted a master facilities plan that identified the Justice Center as the top priority because the county is adding judges and lacks courtroom space. "We are mandated by the state constitution to provide," Ross said, explaining the county has been evaluating options including a site on 0 Street north of the road and potential downtown locations. He said the county hired PCL and RJA for design development work and that those consultants would present cost-differential findings at a community briefing scheduled Monday at 10 a.m. Ross said staff had held four town-hall meetings to solicit public feedback.

On the MPO and regional transit questions, Commissioner Scott James said there had been no formal MPO-level conversation about creating a regional transportation authority (RTA), though he was aware of community conversations. On homelessness and local services, the board encouraged engagement with municipal partners; Commissioner Ross said county government has responsibilities for some services but municipalities pursue other initiatives, and he declined to opine on a municipal project identified by the commenter.

Why it matters: public comment raised concerns about county capital planning, the availability of courtroom space, regional transit coordination and homelessness services; the board described upcoming public information activity and said more planning and partnership conversations are ongoing.

What was not specified: the presentation materials and any firm decisions about location, financing, or schedule for a Justice Center were not included in the meeting record.