Adams County commissioners voted Tuesday to advance a major courthouse and justice system overhaul, sending a two‑building proposal to the county council for consideration later this month.
The plan, developed by Elevatus and Garmong, would relocate Superior Court to the first floor of the historic courthouse, a move officials say would modernize court operations while keeping them in the county’s landmark building. Other justice‑system offices — the Clerk, Prosecutor, Probation, Community Corrections, and the Public Defender — would shift into a new facility across Third Street, creating a consolidated hub for daily legal and administrative activity.
Commissioners said the estimated $20–22 million price tag reflects both the courthouse renovation and construction of the new building. They noted that rising construction costs make timing a factor, and that the project team emphasized the importance of moving quickly if the county wants to avoid further escalation.
The proposal will be formally presented to the Adams County Council on July 14, with representatives from the design team and financial advisers at Baker Tilly expected to attend. Commissioners said the upcoming meeting will give council members a chance to review the layout, cost ranges, and long‑term financial implications before deciding whether to proceed.
Officials said the project aims to improve security, accessibility, and workflow for departments that have outgrown their current spaces. They also noted that the courthouse’s age and layout have created challenges that the renovation would directly address.
The unanimous vote moves the plan into its next phase, but commissioners stressed that final approval rests with the council.