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Washington County executive committee advances architectural work for proposed Health and Human Services building, flags $45–$50 million borrowing
Summary
The Executive Committee approved a CIP transfer to pay for master-plan and architectural work for a proposed Health and Human Services building and was warned the full project could require $45 million to $50 million in future borrowing. Committee members requested clearer cost history before a formal borrowing request.
The Washington County Executive Committee voted to advance funding for master-plan and architectural work on a proposed Health and Human Services building, while members emphasized that the design phase will likely lead to a major future borrowing request.
Scott, a county presenter, told the committee the project request was split into three phases: an initial scoping and concept phase, a second phase to flesh out mechanical and detailed plans and a final phase for bidding and project management. "We're estimating $45 to $50,000,000 of borrowing," Scott said, adding that the first phase is roughly $460,000 for environmental and architectural work and that a second-phase request of about $984,000 could follow if the committee wishes to proceed.
Scott said the county received six RFP responses and conducted interviews with two firms, and recommended PRA Architects, which previously worked on elevator and remodeling work in the building. He said the project team is considering two potential building sites and is mindful of an old diesel plume on one parcel.
Several committee members urged caution. Supervisor Kelly said newer board members should be reminded that approving early-phase work commits the county toward a later borrowing package. "I don't want it there to be any surprises when we come up to that final borrow," Kelly said. Another member noted the vote at the county board level to move funds around will require a two-thirds majority.
Scott said staff would provide detailed cost histories for the existing building and noted recent repairs (roof, windows and other items). Committee members also discussed the project's role in enabling the county's wider site redevelopment and next-generation housing plan on the south side of the street.
The committee approved the CIP amendment and transfer and said the item will be carried to the full county board for consideration, where a larger borrowing request would be reviewed separately.
The committee did not set a board borrowing date at this meeting; staff indicated the borrowing request would likely come in 2027. The item will next appear on the county board agenda for final consideration.
