York County supervisors hear courthouse space study, ask for finer cost estimates ahead of CIP

York County supervisors on Dec. 16 heard a data‑driven space‑needs study for the county courthouse and adjacent administrative buildings and directed staff to produce a more detailed cost estimate to inform the capital improvement plan.

PMA Architecture and Fentress Incorporated presented a 20‑year analysis that used population, caseload and departmental interviews to map courthouse and administrative needs. "We start with population and caseload projections and then evaluate how space supports operations," said Keith Fentress, president of Fentress Incorporated, noting the firm had reviewed court function, security and technology needs.

The study found shortfalls in several courthouse areas under the May 2025 Virginia trial court facilities guidelines; presenters recommended short‑term relief (leasing space to relocate probation and court services units), a midterm move of Finance Building departments into a new Admin Building (projected at about 78,000 square feet over three floors) and longer‑term options to add courtrooms or an annex.

"There is a clear need for space for people — room to hire and retain staff," Circuit Court Judge Rich Rizik told the board. Rizik said the courthouse, built in 1997, lacks sufficient office, conference and jury space and cited the Code of Virginia provision that the governing body must provide suitable courthouse space. "This is about the community's need for a functioning courthouse," he said.

County Administrator Bellamy presented the FY27 six‑year CIP, which shows general‑fund projects totaling about $260 million and other funds of roughly $64 million. For the space study the staff included a $2 million placeholder in FY27 to begin design and scope refinement, and staff said refining the estimate to a 35% A/E design would better define total project costs.

Supervisors pressed for more precise numbers. "We need a more refined number so we can plan debt and funding strategies," Supervisor Drury said. Several members urged staff to seek state and regional funding where appropriate for regional functions such as the planned recovery court.

The board did not adopt a final project or construction package but asked consultants and staff to return with a more detailed engineering scope and cost estimates to inform CIP revisions next year.

The county administrator said PFM, the county's financial consultant, will appear at the board retreat to review funding options and debt impacts; the board requested a follow‑up study that includes 35% A/E documentation to better calibrate the projected construction budget and A/E fees.

Next steps: staff will refine the cost estimates and engineering scope, present those figures during upcoming budget and retreat sessions, and incorporate the updated numbers into future CIP drafts.