After several years of deliberations and meetings on the future of the county courthouse, the Rappahannock County Board of Supervisors (BOS) seems to be closing in on final concept plans.
The supervisors and members of an advisory courthouse Planning and Oversight Committee met Dec. 19 to review concept plans for a new or expanded courthouse. Commonwealth’s Attorney Art Goff, a member of the committee, said his office is “perfectly adequate” across from the courthouse and recommended it be removed from the plans.
Plans include space for two courtrooms, two jury deliberation rooms, a room where jurors would assemble prior to a trial, secure parking for judges and a secure entrance for prisoners. The offices of clerks for the General District and Circuit Court would be housed in a new facility.
WHY IT MATTERS
The historic courthouse, constructed in 1834, lacks adequate space for security and administrative functions. Attorneys, defendants, witnesses and the public share the same space with all using a single staircase. The short distance between judges and defendants in the courtroom is of concern, as is lack of access for disabled persons.
Whatever the decision, it will be expensive. The now-disbanded county Building Committee had estimated costs between $9 to $12 million for a new courthouse structure, $6.8 million to add on to the existing courthouse and potentially another $4.8 million for additional space needs.
WHAT TO EXPECT
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Andrew B. Moore of Glavé & Holmes (center) at the Board of Supervisors Special Called Meeting with the Courthouse Planning Oversight Committee on Dec. 19 at the county courthouse.
The consulting architect, Glavé & Holmes, is expected to modify concept plans for both options by mid-January.
“We are trying to think about what might be needed in 50 years,” County Administrator Garrey Curry said.
Wakefield Supervisor and Chair Debbie Donehey said the supervisors need to decide how much space would be ideal, how much is really needed and what taxpayers can be expected to support.
“Working with the courthouse Planning Oversight Committee, other stakeholders and actively communicating with the public is key to this project’s success,” she said. “We only have 7,400 people in the county, but 75% of the court cases involve people who don’t live here. We have to take that into account in the planning process.”
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