Building Project Committee

The Washington County, Wisconsin, Building Project Committee met on October 7, 2026, to review Health and Human Services (HHS) building schedules, location options, and 30-year cost estimates. After comparing a public-private lease, remodeling the Public Agency Center (PAC), and constructing a new building, the committee expressed support for new construction and approved a motion to recommend that option for further consideration. Supervisor Krebs abstained; the transcript does not clearly capture the motion’s exact wording or a complete vote count. The new-building estimate included approximately $40 million for construction, $3 million for maintenance, $800,000 for PAC demolition, and $4 million in utilities over 30 years. The PAC remodeling option was estimated at about $48 million overall; the public-private option included approximately $84 million in lease costs. Members emphasized value, quality, campus consolidation, and potential housing development on the PAC site rather than selecting the lowest-cost alternative.

The committee discussed advancing the options to the October Executive Committee for review, with a possible November resolution and December County Board action. Borrowing approval would require two County Board actions. If the new-building option proceeds, staff anticipate architectural work and permitting before bidding and contracting, with construction potentially starting in 2027 and occupancy projected for February 2029. No contract or vendor was awarded. The committee noted that a Fair Park school-district site could require negotiations and removal of deed restrictions, potentially involving court action and delaying the schedule; a future PAC remodeling project could also require an RFP if pursued.