Commissioners review large capital-concept package including courthouse additions and Blanco River low‑water crossing

At a June 23 work session, Blanco County commissioners discussed a broad package of conceptual capital projects and road improvements and emphasized that the items presented are preliminary concepts that would require architects, engineered estimates and more detailed financing plans.

Among the concepts were: a South Annex expansion to provide a dedicated district courtroom, jury room and judge's chambers; combined or relocated precinct headquarters (precincts 1/4 and precinct 3 options, with equipment bays and shop areas); a maintenance headquarters; and exhibit‑hall and fairgrounds upgrades. Presenters used high‑level cost assumptions and said the numbers must be refined by professional services before any commitment.

Commissioners referenced a financial‑advisor briefing (Steve Perry) that put potential county borrowing rates in the neighborhood of 2.95%–3.25%, noting that interest costs will affect how many projects can be bundled into a financing package. Several commissioners warned against trying to take on too many projects at once, citing oversight capacity and management risk.

Road projects received particular attention. Commissioners discussed upgrading Marble Falls Road/County Road 305 (to consolidate entrances and support development along the corridor) and a multi‑million‑dollar plan to raise or replace a Blanco River low‑water crossing that has been impassible during flood events (damage noted in 2015). The landowner (Cynthia Keane) granted permission for survey work and there was discussion of culverts or raised spans, widening to roughly 22 feet, and coordination with neighboring counties and TxDOT for funding and engineering.

Commissioners said prior attempts to secure state or federal grants have been hampered by county demographics and that grant eligibility remains challenging; they discussed options to roll road projects into a broader financing package or pursue a roads‑only package. Commissioners asked staff to develop professional‑services budget lines for refined cost estimates and to return with prioritization options.