Bond Election for Justice Center Replacement
Commentary by Heath Sims
Ellis County Commissioner, Pct. 3
It is the year 2007 and the Ellis County Commissioners Court has called for a “Bond Election†for $53.875 million for an “Ellis County Civil and Criminal Defense Complex and Detention Center†to be built in downtown Waxahachie (the county seat). Please try to remember that in 1869 Waxahachie was chosen as the county seat. If you are wondering about the length of the name it is because a shorter name would have cost more per letter. In reality, we did not want to call it the “Justice Center II.†That just has a bad taste, so we have “ECCCDCDC†for now.
Seriously though, we did call for a bond election for May 12, 2007, after a long process and study. The study seemed to begin 20 years ago when the county population was around 85,000 and continued until now when the population is estimated at 140,000. That is a 55,000 person increase and not one problem has been solved just delayed — but the cost has continued to increase. So this court did study, spent money to do the study and was criticized for that. I wish things were free, but we finally came to a conclusion that I believe will put this county as a whole in better shape. Now is it perfect? With the cost and needs of today we felt this was the best package to take to you the voters. It would be great to construct a facility that would serve for 100 years without any changes but that is not possible or cost effective today. Remember that by 2030 Ellis County is projected to have a population of 450,000, which is a 321% increase. We must look at what is practical and doable and so we have the $53.875 million bond.
There are those that do not want this done in Waxahachie because of space concerns but there is more room available than one realizes and we do currently have a jail and courthouse in the same area. This factor was considered to save money on prisoner transport to and from the jail and courts. The county owns three blocks between the streets of Jackson and Clift and that will give ground level space of about 120,000 square feet. Trying to be sensitive to the effect of a bond and understanding the counties needs, The Staubach Company designed two structures in phase one. One structure, located at the southeast corner of Flat and Main, would house all courts and any department related to the needs of the justice system and county administrative functions. The second structure, located at the northeast corner of Jefferson and Jackson would be for jail expansion of 273 beds and lay out the opportunity for future jail expansion down Jefferson toward Clift Street as population requires. We did look at adding on to the current jail but because of the current flood plain location and looking at population projections it is believed that the current jail could not be enlarged for future needs. Although this should allow us to utilize the current jail for years to come and once there is a need for a juvenile facility, the current facility could be switched over. I know this is hard to imagine but I think we are trying to lay out a positive long-term plan.
I wish there was a crystal ball into the future but there is not. All we have is past experiences and I think we have all learned from that but we cannot dwell on the mistakes of the past we must learn and move forward and this plan is viable. Part of the plan not included in the bond package must be the commitment of the court’s towards improving upon the sub-offices already found in Ennis, Midlothian and Red Oak. That is why I will propose a resolution at the Commissioners Court Monday night to support planning for the need of outside offices that will offer better and more convenient services when the population triggers phase two or phase three of the Staubach plan. We are currently committed to buildings in Midlothian and Red Oak for the current needs but we must move forward however on the situation in Ennis due to the condition of their current facility. We do not wish to leave any community out but with current growth patterns Ennis, Midlothian and Red Oak are at the top of the list.
I also hope we can learn from our previous mistakes and ensure oversight of the proposed building projects this time around. In order to ensure oversight, I’m committed to appointing County Engineer Joe White a representative from the city of Waxahachie and members of the public to a citizen oversight committee.
I would ask that you please be realistic and honest in the consideration of this proposal and know that this court has tried to be thorough and sensitive to the cost while recognizing population projections and current needs. This court has tried to bring a good proposal to you the public and now it is in your hands and we will respect your decision. Let me leave you with this thought from Proverbs 18: 15 “The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out.â€
GOD Bless,
Heath Sims
