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Commission clears publication step for $17.85M bond and extends due diligence on Columbia Ave. property amid debate
Summary
The commission voted to publish notice enabling up to $17.85 million in general obligation bonds and approved a 180-day due-diligence-extension (with a $175,000 fee) to evaluate the Columbia Avenue site for a potential new judicial center after task-force review and public comment; both steps drew divided but passing votes.
The Williamson County Board of Commissioners on May 11 approved two separate but related steps toward a possible new judicial center: an initial resolution authorizing publication for up to $17,850,000 in general obligation bonds and an amendment extending the county’s due-diligence period on a Columbia Avenue parcel.
The initial-resolution vote (agenda item 5 26 37) authorizes publication required by state law as a procedural prerequisite to borrowing; commissioners said publication would preserve timing so the county could move to market without delay. "This is not to borrow the money," Commissioner Morton said, explaining the publication step and the 20–30 day notice period and the potential for petitions. He added staff counsel’s guidance that publication is necessary before certain subsequent steps. The publication resolution passed 21-3.
Separately, after lengthy task-force briefings and debate about city input and alternatives, the commission considered a second amendment to a purchase-and-sale agreement for property at 926 Columbia Avenue to extend due diligence by 180 days for a fee of $175,000 (to be applied toward the deposit/purchase price if the county proceeds). Supporters said the extension preserves options while the courthouse task force completes site evaluations; opponents objected to paying nonrefundable funds to a seller when other properties remain under consideration. County counsel explained the amendment’s escrow structure and how portions of existing deposit would be handled. The amendment and then the resolution as amended passed 18-6.
The courthouse task force — made up of county and city representatives, judges and other stakeholders — is scheduled to present additional options at a May 20 meeting and deliver a recommendation in July. Commissioners debated timing and the risk of pushing decisions past the county’s August recess, which could delay market access if publication and other steps are not completed before that break.
Commissioners emphasized the procedural nature of the publication vote and cautioned that neither vote obligates the county to purchase the Columbia Avenue property. The votes provide the county authority to move forward with public notice and to continue due diligence while the task force completes its review.
