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Wayne County seeks $12 million for administration and judicial building; commissioners cite security and infrastructure needs
Summary
Wayne County commissioners asked for $12 million to build a replacement administration and judicial building, citing an aging 1938 facility, security gaps between public areas and court inmates, and strain from tourism on county services.
Wayne County commissioners appeared before the Transportation and Infrastructure Appropriations Subcommittee to request $12,000,000 for a new administration and judicial building to replace a 1938 structure they described as functionally and physically obsolete.
Commissioner Blackburn and Commissioner Bridal (presenters) said the present building has outdated plumbing and IT infrastructure, limited security separation between courtrooms and public circulation, and that county services handle a large volume of visitors tied to tourism. Blackburn described Wayne County's tax base as narrow, noting a small permanent population and a high share of secondary homes and public lands that constrain local taxable capacity. "We're... in Wayne County, we have 3% bridal [taxable land]. And now that 3%, 70% of that is on green belt," a commissioner said, describing limited local tax base and heavy visitor demand.
The commissioners said the county had purchased land for a new building about a decade ago and requested the committee's consideration for partial funding; they acknowledged the county has limited capacity and suggested breaking funding over multiple years if needed. They cited public‑safety and sanitation pressures, described court and justice needs, and noted other recent assistance for a new high school from school funds. No formal vote on the request was recorded in the transcript.
