Washington County Commissioners Court on July 22 heard a progress update from Plan North on long‑range improvements for the Washington County Expo and surrounding county properties, and approved pending rental‑regulation contracts for two upcoming Expo events.

The update outlined near‑term infrastructure needs and longer‑term site concepts. "Air conditioning is just such a blessing," said Miss Birch, a Plan North consultant, describing attendee feedback on building upgrades. The court also voted to approve pending Washington County Expo rental regulations and authorize the county judge to sign the contracts; the motion carried unanimously.

Why it matters: the Expo and adjacent county parcels host fairs and law‑enforcement facilities; deficiencies in barns, ventilation and site circulation affect public safety, event operations and accessibility. The master‑plan work ties expo improvements to traffic and parking solutions that could affect nearby county offices.

Plan North told commissioners stakeholders prioritized infrastructure and safety upgrades, including improved electrical service, ventilation and heat control in barns, better drainage and more accessible internal routes for older visitors and families. Consultants said one likely near‑term step is studying an addition and renovation to the existing sale facility to add meeting space and climate control. "We're looking at studying an addition and renovation to our current sales facility," Miss Birch said.

The plan also recommends reconfiguring the main fairgrounds entrance, moving it from Bluebell Road to Old Independence to improve traffic flow; consultants are studying whether that and a northward access road can be accomplished on county‑owned land without additional property purchases. Plan North also described a possible covered rodeo arena near the existing rodeo location and said the county-owned Landgraf House marks a boundary for the study area.

Across Old Independence, the consultants presented a separate study of a proposed judicial center site adjacent to the jail and sheriff's office. Plan North said interviews with district and county court staff, clerks, adult and juvenile probation and constables showed operational needs that favor colocating court functions with detention facilities. "Connecting to the jail is the right answer," Miss Birch said, summarizing peer‑county advice and staff input.

Sheriff Holloway told commissioners he supports continued involvement in planning. "I like where the project stands right now, and I'm excited to see where we're going and what that footprint is gonna look like," he said.

What was decided: Commissioners approved two pending Washington County Expo rental‑regulation contracts for scheduled events (the American Junior Sembrough Roundup Livestock Show and the Pig event listed on the agenda) and authorized the county judge to sign the agreements. The court heard the Plan North update and asked for follow‑up drawings and a recommendation at a future meeting.

Next steps: Plan North will return with drawings and recommendations for the sale‑facility renovation, rodeo arena siting and judicial center design. Commissioners asked staff to continue engaging users — court staff, law enforcement and fairground stakeholders — and to present specific design options and cost estimates at a later meeting.

Ending: Commissioners did not set a timetable for formal approvals beyond the contract signings; consultants said the major facilities work is long‑term and will be presented in stages.