Jun 1, 2026 By Nick Sherman 2 min read

For nearly 50 years, Courthouse Square has stood in downtown Washington as one of the county’s most recognizable government buildings. Construction began during a time when large concrete government buildings were viewed as modern and practical. Today, however, the building reflects the problems that come with aging infrastructure and years of costly maintenance issues.

Over the years, the facility developed serious problems. Aging HVAC systems became difficult and expensive to maintain. Drainage failures and water leaks caused structural damage throughout the building. A protective membrane around the parking garage, meant to keep water out and protect the structure, had a lifespan of about 20 years but was never fully replaced.

Like many public buildings across the country, major repairs were delayed for years because of the enormous costs involved. But delaying infrastructure repairs only makes problems worse over time. Today, the damage is permanent.

Annual maintenance costs had already climbed into the millions, and engineering studies estimated repairs between $14 million and $20 million just to stabilize parts of the structure as concrete was falling onto employees’ vehicles. Washington County needs a long-term solution, not another Band-Aid to the problem.

That is why the county is moving forward with a new public safety building designed for safety, efficiency, and long-term use.

The new facility will house critical county services, including the 911 Call Center, emergency management operations, the sheriff’s office, and other essential public safety departments that protect residents across Washington County every day. Designed to meet modern safety and operational standards while allowing room for future growth, the building will be smaller, more energy efficient, and far less costly to operate and maintain over the long term, a more responsible investment for taxpayers and the future of the county.

Government should lead by example, by investing in safe, reliable infrastructure that serves the public well into the future.

Courthouse Square served Washington County for many years, but its time has passed.

Now it is time to build something safer, more functional, and better suited for the future of our community.

Nick Sherman is chair of the Washington County Board of Commissioners.