Despite a request to delay action on a contract with Encite Architecture & Design, the Washington County Supervisors Tuesday approved the contract for the Washington-based firm to proceed with plans to relocate county administrative offices to the Orchard Hill complex and remodel the courthouse for judicial offices.

During public comments at the opening of the meeting, Karen Bates Cabal, a downtown business owner, cited concerns and comments from other downtown businesses about moving the county offices to Lexington Blvd, near the county jail and communications center.  She asked that the vote regarding Encite be delayed to the March 28 meeting to allow time for public input about using the downtown Federation Bank building which she calls “a more fiscally responsible plan.”  The building was offered to the county for $800,000.  Rough estimates of costs for the Orchard Hill plan have ranged upwards of $4 to $5 million.

She added that the county Public Health department, housed on the top three floors of the bank building, reported that with remodeling of the space, it could do well with two floors.  She also referenced that the moving of the auditor and treasurer’s offices, both of which provide services to the public, has raised concerns regarding accessibility.  Further comments were that the bank building is in excellent shape, that using it for county offices is “great idea” and could show a county investment in the community. Others at prior meetings have stressed that the county offices would increase business traffic in the downtown from county employees as well as county residents.

Besides the Orchard Hill plan, two other residents voiced concern about the county-owned lot directly west of the courthouse, admonishing the board to use it or sell it.  Melinda Lord told them, “Sell the plot, take your loss, and put it back on the tax rolls.”  The lot had been purchased with a view of making it a parking area for the courthouse.   The board also was asked about removal of the former jail/safety center which the board approved for demolition earlier.  It is expected to be done this year.

In other business, the board:

•Approved the proclamation making April National Child Abuse Prevention Month in the county and members each also received T-shirts to wear throughout the month to, as suggested, “spread the message.”  Approval followed reading of the proclamation by board chairman Bob Yoder, which said in part, “Effective child abuse prevention activities succeed because of the partnerships created between child welfare professionals, education, health, community and faith-based organizations, businesses, law enforcement agencies” and that all “members of a community benefit from creating conditions that support strong and healthy families.”   The action is similar to last year’s move.

•Approved a wage increase for Megan Waterhouse, Public Health Program Manager, from $38.57 to $40.80 hourly, effective March 23.

•Approved Dreyson Robe as a deputy sheriff, effective March 9 through December 31, 2024.

•Approved an agreement with the Iowa DOT for a detour of Iowa Highway 92, from east of Highway 218 to 2nd Street in Columbus Junction, specifically involving Washington Road G36 from US 28 to the Louisa County line.  The detour period is March 1, 2023, to December 31, 2025; however, it could end sooner.  It is part of a project approved by the county in November, 2022.

•Briefly discussed Zoom access to future meetings of the board with supervisor Jack Seward Jr. saying, “I see no reason to change this,” stressing that it has provided all access for interested parties, including county officials and workers, from remote locations.  The members agreed and no action was taken to alter or stop the current system.