Van Zandt County authorizes $4.2 million purchase of Paul Michael building at Trade Days Boulevard

The Van Zandt County Commissioners Court on Tuesday authorized the county judge to sign closing documents for the purchase of the Paul Michael building at 1930 North Trade Days Boulevard for $4,200,000 and approved payment from the county general fund.

The action followed a public comment period in which residents and county employees largely urged the court to buy and refurbish the Trades Boulevard property rather than pursue new construction or lease multiple downtown buildings. Resident Judy Stout said purchasing the Paul Michael building would consolidate services under one roof and provide room for future expansion. Employee and resident Jessica Deville said she supported refurbishing the building and keeping public services accessible to citizens.

County officials said the court originally entered a contract in December 2024 with a July 1, 2025 closing and paid $60,000 in escrow. After discovering the purchase had not been budgeted, the county renegotiated the contract with the same purchase price and a new $200,000 escrow, with a November closing date. County staff reported a general fund balance of about $11 million at fiscal year end.

Commissioners discussed funding options including using new-growth tax revenues, proceeds from the sale of other county properties such as the annex and the district attorney's building, and reapplying for a courthouse restoration grant. The judge noted estimates under current planning put the cost to renovate and adapt the Paul Michael building at about $20 million, with an additional $5 million estimated for courthouse restoration; officials said grant awards and final design would determine county share and timing.

Several commissioners emphasized the county's desire not to raise property taxes for the purchase or near-term build-out and described scenarios to phase renovations using new-construction revenue. The court also discussed timing risks, inflation on construction costs and uncertainties about the building's foundation and necessary improvements.

A motion to authorize closing and fund the purchase carried. The court recorded that the motion passed; the minutes did not include a roll-call tally in the discussion transcript. The county said it would complete standard closing paperwork and payment processes consistent with the approved contract.

Next steps noted by the court include finalizing closing logistics for the November date, evaluating grant options (including a courthouse restoration grant expected to open in mid-2026), and developing a financing and build-out plan that could include sale of surplus county properties and staged construction to limit immediate tax impact.