Operations committee approves site for new administration and judicial campus, awards architectural indefinite-delivery contract and authorizes a property buy

Berkeley County’s Operations committee approved several major administrative items on Sept. 8, 2025: a site selection for a new county administration and judicial campus, an indefinite-delivery contract (IDC) award for architectural services, and authorization for the county supervisor to acquire a property in County Council District 8 (amount discussed in executive session and not specified on the public record).

County staff presented two site options for the administration and judicial campus. The staff-recommended option (Plan A) places the building in front of high-voltage transmission lines and avoids substantial utility relocations; staff said relocating those lines was not financially feasible. Supporters of Plan A said the layout reduces walking distance to parking and facilitates connections between the courthouse and nearby solicitor’s offices in the former sheriff’s office.

The committee approved an architectural indefinite-delivery contract to three firms (McMillan Pazette Smith Architects; Creech and Associates; Westin and Sampson Engineers) to provide on-call architectural services. The body also approved a motion authorizing the county supervisor to acquire a specified parcel in Council District 8 for an amount discussed in executive session; the motion referenced the executive-session discussion for the amount and directs staff to complete acquisition paperwork.

All motions carried by voice vote.