In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the deteriorating condition of the county's Justice Center, highlighting a series of structural issues that have emerged over the years. The conversation traced the history of bond referendums aimed at addressing the facility's needs, noting that several attempts to secure funding for improvements have failed to meet the required 60% voter approval threshold.

The county's facilities assessment, conducted in 2020, revealed alarming deficiencies, with the Justice Center scoring only 60% in overall condition. A subsequent inspection in 2023 by state jail inspectors identified significant cracks in the building's walls and exterior, along with rusting metal supports. These findings prompted the hiring of a structural engineering firm to conduct a thorough assessment, which confirmed serious deterioration of the brick facade and roof, estimating repair costs between $2 million and $4 million.

Officials emphasized the urgency of addressing these structural concerns to prevent further damage. The assessment indicated that the building is not in imminent danger of collapse but requires immediate attention to avoid escalating repair costs. The design flaws of the cantilever structure were also criticized, alongside ongoing issues with obsolete plumbing and door hardware.

In addition to the structural assessment, a space needs study was commissioned to determine the future requirements of the agency, concluding that a new facility of approximately 101,000 square feet would be necessary. This comprehensive evaluation underscores the pressing need for a strategic plan to address both the physical state of the Justice Center and the operational demands of the county's justice system.