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Commissioners approve Precinct 2 and 3 designs with sheriff to finalize small layout changes
Summary
Court approved architectural designs and floor plans for new Precinct 2 and Precinct 3 buildings, approving a metal-frame plan (about 16,000 sq ft per site) with a condition that county staff and the sheriff coordinate minor layout changes and provide cost estimates before the next budgeting step.
Waller County Commissioners Court on Sept. 3 approved architectural designs and floor plans for the new Precinct 2 and Precinct 3 buildings, directing county staff and the county sheriff to finalize a small allocation of interior space so the design accommodates law-enforcement needs.
The approved concept calls for metal-structure buildings similar to the county's Precinct 4 design; the precinct 3 plan shown at the meeting was described by staff as roughly 16,000 square feet, compared with 18,000 square feet for Precinct 4. County staff said the plans use steel frames, metal roofs and modest brick fronting to control cost while meeting durability needs.
Commissioners discussed options to create space for sheriff's deputies in each precinct without substantially increasing square footage. Staff proposed reducing a mechanical room footprint or reconfiguring hallways to create a multi-desk substation or flexible workspace for deputies; the court asked staff to meet with the sheriff and return cost estimates within days so the auditor can reflect any changes in the budget process.
Why it matters: the two buildings are part of a multi-precinct facilities program budgeted in county planning. Building materials, footprint and program layout will influence final costs that must be fitted into the county's capital budget and timeline.
Key details from the meeting: staff described the courtroom layouts as nearly identical to Precinct 4, with similar clerk, tax and constable spaces. The buildings are intended to be expandable over time. Commissioners expressed concern about repeated late-stage design changes increasing costs and delaying contracts; the court approved the current designs but instructed staff to finalize a limited list of modifications with the sheriff and return with cost numbers promptly.
Outcome: The court's motion to approve the designs carried. Staff said they would proceed with architect contract documents and bring final cost and schedule estimates before the Sept. 17 budget actions.
Ending: Commissioners asked staff to complete a narrow set of design confirmations, obtain a short timeline and a cost estimate to present to the auditor for incorporation into the county budget.
