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Board approves $460,000 for first-phase design of proposed Health and Human Services building
Summary
The Washington County Board approved $460,000 for phase‑one architectural and engineering work for a proposed Health and Human Services building and discussed a likely future borrowing package of about $45–50 million; county staff flagged environmental work for historic diesel plumes and planning to evaluate alternatives including public-private partnerships.
The Washington County Board of Supervisors on a voice vote approved $460,000 for phase‑one architectural and engineering services to advance a master plan that would replace the county’s Public Agency Center and build a consolidated Health and Human Services building on the north side of State Highway 33.
Scott Schmidt, who presented the master‑plan package, said the request covers a space‑needs assessment, schematic design and initial environmental work and that the county will return later in the year with additional funding requests. "If you're approving the $460,000 tonight, know that we're coming to you for another close to $1,000,000 in August to September," Schmidt said. He also told the board staff expect to present a borrowing request of roughly $45 to $50 million for construction early next year.
The presentation called for three design phases: phase 1 (planning and environmental work), followed by final design and bidding, then construction administration. Schmidt noted the site shows historic diesel contamination from an old highway shop and said the design budget includes environmental investigation and remediation planning. He also said about 5,000 square feet has been included in the program for a morgue.
Supervisors pressed for financial detail and alternatives. "Just because we do that first phase doesn't bind us to completing going with the second phase," said Supervisor Krebs, urging the board to treat phase 1 as information gathering. County Executive Schulman said the initial design step is intended to permit a full analysis of options, including partnering with private developers or nonprofit organizations to reduce the county’s borrowing needs.
Several board members questioned the assumptions behind the project’s return‑on‑investment estimate. Schmidt said county staff and consultants modeled a long horizon and emphasized that projected tax returns in the analysis represented total tax receipts across jurisdictions, not just county levy revenue. Supervisor Gallitz said the board will need a clearer breakdown of county fiscal impact before larger borrowing decisions.
The board approved the funding request by voice vote; a two‑thirds vote was required and the measure carried unanimously.
