Phase Two Advances
On Tuesday, Williamson County Commissioners pushed the new justice complex project into its second phase, marking a significant step toward addressing the county’s growing courthouse needs. The decision reflects the county’s ongoing effort to modernize its judicial infrastructure.
The move signals the county’s commitment to expanding its judicial facilities, a plan that has been in development for several years. This expansion is intended to accommodate increasing case volumes and inmate populations.
Despite the progress, the exact site for the complex remains undetermined, with planners still weighing multiple options. The selection process will consider factors such as accessibility, cost, and community impact.
Cameron Glass, the project manager from Kitchell/CEM, Inc., is steering the effort as the county’s chosen firm for the justice center. Glass’s leadership role underscores the county’s reliance on external expertise for large-scale projects.
Project Management
Glass said, “As we get into phase two, we’re really going to start getting into the weeds of things,” highlighting the detailed work ahead. His remarks emphasize the detailed nature of the upcoming work.
Continuing, he added, “We’ll get with each of the departments to really understand their space needs.” Glass’s focus on departmental needs signals a collaborative approach to facility planning.
Site Evaluation Process
During Phase One, Glass’s team reviewed 37 potential sites for the new center, a comprehensive survey of the county’s options. The review covered a wide geographic range of potential sites.
That review produced a shortlist, narrowing the possibilities to a select group of candidates. The shortlist narrows the field to a manageable set of candidates for further evaluation.
In Phase Two, the team will conduct a deeper assessment to determine which of those sites best matches the county’s requirements. The deeper assessment will examine each site’s suitability for the county’s specific operational requirements.
Glass noted, “At the end of phase two, really kind of having a better understanding of what the overall costs are, to really be able to start discussing, with, with the public where we’re at, what the dollars are looking like and how, the county plans to fund that.” Glass’s statement highlights the importance of transparency and public engagement in the budgeting process.
Overcrowding and Space Issues
Overcrowding has become a pressing concern in the current justice center, prompting calls for a new facility. These issues have prompted discussions about the adequacy of the current facilities.
Shawn Dick, the district attorney, told KXAN in September that the courthouse’s conditions are long overdue for change, describing the space as “like you’re in a bus terminal.” The comparison to a bus terminal underscores the lack of private space for legal professionals.
He added that this environment “is just not conducive for lawyers to be able to negotiate and communicate with their clients, to then come in and communicate with the state.” The environment hampers effective communication between attorneys, clients, and the state.
County Manager Rebecca Clemons highlighted the shortage, noting that the addition of a seventh district court in 2025 has left the county without a courtroom to accommodate it. The county’s expansion of courts has outpaced the availability of physical courtroom space.
She said the county is also out of office space, with teams of two, three, and four people sharing limited areas. Shared office arrangements create challenges for staff collaboration and confidentiality.
Clemons pointed out the scarcity of grand jury meeting rooms, a factor that further strains the facility’s capacity. The scarcity of grand jury rooms limits the county’s capacity to conduct jury proceedings efficiently.
Capacity and Operational Impact
The center currently houses about 700 inmates, while its maximum capacity stands at 990, according to Clemons. The inmate population growth continues to strain existing resources.
Based on current trends, the county expects to reach full capacity by 2032, a projection that underscores the urgency of expansion. Reaching full capacity by 2032 would further exacerbate these constraints.
Dick remarked, “In justice, we still do this in person,” emphasizing the continued reliance on physical courtrooms. This statement emphasizes the necessity of maintaining physical courtrooms for judicial processes.
He added that “The less space we have, the less work we can get accomplished, the slower the system becomes,” illustrating the operational impact of limited space. Limited space directly impacts the speed and effectiveness of the justice system.
Timeline and Related Projects
Clemons added that the new justice complex is slated for completion in about five years, a timeline that aligns with the county’s long-term planning goals. The five-year timeline aligns with the county’s broader infrastructure development plans.
Meanwhile, the new Williamson County Administrator Building is scheduled to open in spring 2026, a development that will free up space in the downtown Georgetown courthouse. The new Administrator Building will also house county offices, freeing up space in the courthouse.
That relocation is expected to ease some of the current overcrowding, though it will not eliminate the need for a dedicated justice complex. However, the new building alone will not solve all overcrowding issues.
The county’s leadership remains optimistic that the five-year window will allow them to deliver a facility that meets modern judicial demands. Stakeholders are hopeful that the projected timeframe will allow for a comprehensive solution.
Looking Ahead
Between courtroom shortages, limited office space, and a growing inmate population, the county faces a multifaceted challenge that the new complex aims to resolve. The complex aims to address multiple facets of the current operational challenges.
Glass’s comments about discussing costs with the public indicate that the county will soon outline its funding strategy for the project. The upcoming public discussions will likely outline the financial mechanisms for the project.
As the project moves forward, stakeholders will monitor the selection of a site and the detailed budgeting that will shape the future of Williamson County’s justice system. The project’s progress will be closely watched by community members and legal professionals alike.
Key Takeaways
- Phase Two marks a deeper dive into site selection and cost analysis.
- Overcrowding and limited space are driving the need for a new justice complex.
- A five-year timeline and a new administrator building aim to address current constraints.
