County schedules April public hearing as staff narrows options for vacant school properties

Economic Development Director Kelly Chesson presented site-specific SWOT analyses for vacant school properties and said staff condensed earlier material to reduce redundancy and present clearer, site-based recommendations.

Chesson and County Manager Curtis S. Potter told the Board that staff would like a public hearing at the April 7, 2025 meeting to gather public comment and to seek direction on which building(s) the county should use for relocating departments. Potter noted that Plymouth High School (PHS) would likely require full boiler replacement and higher HVAC costs, while Washington County Middle School (WCMS) has lower anticipated costs and staff is currently leaning toward WCMS. He also said architectural assistance will be needed as the county proceeds.

Commissioners raised operational and timing concerns tied to the elections calendar (departments that must move to accommodate Elections need space by May) and the potential impact on the Town of Roper if WCMS is not used. Staff said Washington County Schools’ renovations and the Roper Annex timeline could affect when facilities would be available for county use.

Board consensus was to hold the April public hearing; staff will return with recommendations and cost estimates following that hearing.