Commission authorizes up to $300,000 to secure option and do due diligence on downtown Columbia Avenue site for a new courthouse

The Williamson County Commission voted unanimously to authorize up to $300,000 of existing bond proceeds to secure an option and perform due diligence on a downtown Columbia Avenue property as a potential site for a new courthouse.

Commissioners and judges described long‑standing space and security constraints at the current judicial center. Judge David Veale and others asked the commission to consider a late‑filed resolution that would allow the judiciary to explore the Columbia Avenue parcel; commissioners later voted to authorize due diligence work and, if warranted, pay earnest money to reserve the property while studies proceed.

Project consultants advised the commission that a typical due diligence package would include a Phase I environmental review, geotechnical borings and zoning/land‑use analysis, which the design consultant estimated could cost roughly $10,000–$15,000. The $300,000 authorization was described by staff as broad enough to include an option deposit and related studies and contingencies. The authorization does not commit the county to purchase; the decision to buy would require a future vote by the commission.

What’s next: Staff will proceed with targeted environmental and geotechnical studies and, if results are favorable, negotiate an option/earnest‑money agreement with the property owner and return to the commission with findings and a recommendation.

At a glance: Resolution 11‑25‑41 passed 23–0 to authorize due diligence and option activities up to $300,000; initial due‑diligence cost estimates provided to commission at hearing.