Washington County judge says county is 'building' as detention project nears completion

County Judge (unnamed) opened the Washington County Quorum Court meeting with a State of the County address, saying the county is "building"—not only structures but systems—and outlining recent investments and priorities.

"The state of Washington County is strong," the judge said, adding that county leaders have used grant and federal dollars to expand facilities and services. He singled out the Washington County Detention Center COVID-mitigation project, funded with American Rescue Plan Act resources, saying the project "is ahead of schedule and under budget with completion expected in coming months, potentially by May." The judge said the work adds medical spaces, improved intake and booking, and separate quarantine housing.

The judge also described a voluntary reentry effort called the community rebuilding initiative, which he said provides "substance abuse treatment, mental health support, life skills training" to pretrial detainees and has earned national recognition and awards. "Plans are underway to expand the program to include a dedicated women's component," he said.

On infrastructure, the judge urged long-range planning for roads, bridges and drainage, arguing the county must think in 20- to 30-year horizons rather than single budget cycles. He praised investments in the road department’s equipment and training for local staff.

Preservation of the historic Washington County Courthouse also drew attention. The judge described the courthouse as a cultural asset—"over 60,000 hand laid mosaic tiles" and a World War I mural—and said officials are weighing preservation costs against daily use.

The judge called for modernization of the county’s planning and zoning code to manage rapid growth "responsibly" and urged the court to consider county-level tax relief measures, saying many homeowners are alarmed by rising assessments. "Every dollar we spend in the county ... comes direct from the pockets of the hardworking taxpayer families of Washington County," he said.

The address combined an account of recent achievements with forward-looking priorities: finishing critical capital work, expanding reentry services, modernizing planning tools and exploring tax-relief options. The judge concluded by thanking county staff and partners and turned the meeting to formal business.