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Washington County explores public‑private, nonprofit and off‑campus options for Health & Human Services building
Summary
County staff presented a space needs analysis (65,000–75,000 sq ft) and said an RFI to test private‑sector interest is due at the end of July; pursuing alternatives could delay a planned April 2027 construction start by roughly 30–90 days and will require further cost estimates before the county board considers bonding.
Scott (Presenter) told the Building Project Committee that the county has a draft space needs analysis prepared by PRA architects and that the county had set aside $46,000 for that work. The draft identifies connectivity and adjacency needs rather than a full building layout; Scott said the analysis is tracking roughly 65,000–75,000 square feet and that the team will meet the next day with the architect to produce building layouts and cost estimates.
Scott said the executive has asked staff to explore alternatives to a straight county‑funded build, including an RFI (request for inquiry) issued to private developers (due back at the end of July) to test interest in a public‑private partnership that could produce a mixed‑use facility (commercial on the main floor, potential residential above) or a lease/condo arrangement. He also said the county is exploring public‑nonprofit partnerships (which might involve federal funding) and off‑campus remodel options in West Bend. "We're looking out there right now... those would be due back at the end of July here," Scott said.
Committee members asked how the alternatives would affect cost and schedule. Scott cautioned that pursuing an RFI/RFP process would slow the schedule and estimated the decision window to preserve an April 2027 construction start is roughly 30–45 days; he and the committee agreed to reconvene in early August for updated cost estimates and a fuller picture for the county board. Supervisors stressed the county should prioritize its operational needs first and treat other uses (commercial or nonprofit partners) as secondary.
No formal action was taken. Staff will return with building layouts, refined square footage, cost estimates and implications for bonding and the county's long‑range master plan at the next committee meeting.
