Commissioners discuss buying former Baylor Scott & White building for elections and records; move to executive session

Commissioners discussed Aug. 19 a potential purchase of the former Baylor Scott & White building at 1305 West Jefferson in Waxahachie as a solution to immediate space shortages for elections, records and other county functions.

Commissioner Grayson summarized prior outreach to the owner and presented a purchase agreement the owner had returned without revisions. He said the building offers nearly 50,000 square feet of usable space and that the county could occupy significant functions quickly: elections operations would move from cramped leased space near the jail to the Jefferson location, records could be consolidated, and the sheriff’s criminal investigations division could be accommodated in the county’s current elections space.

Budget staff told commissioners that acquiring and updating the Jefferson building would cost an estimated $11 million to bring the county into use — roughly half of a previously estimated $22 million to build new at the County Farm — and allow staged fit-outs as needs arise. "We can get into this building for, 11,000,000, and take care of the needs," Ryan said. Commissioner Grayson characterized the purchase as a strong opportunity: "It's a no brainer for me," he said.

Because the matter involves competitive negotiation and a recusal by the county judge, the court moved into executive session under Texas Government Code to deliberate the purchase and related easement acquisitions. When the court returned to open session the clerk reported there was no action taken from executive session.

Next steps: Negotiations and due diligence will continue in executive session; staff noted renovation and purchase costs are included in the FY2026 proposed budget planning documents.