Updates on the Sheriff's Office and Tax Office Projects
As many of you know, I have previously shared updates about the ongoing expansions of the Atascosa County Sheriff's Office and Tax Office. Two key projects that will greatly enhance the services we provide at the County. Today, I want to provide you with the latest updates on their progress and share new developments.
The Atascosa County Sheriff's Office has experienced steady growth in both staff and services over the years. Built in 1986, the current facility is no longer adequate to meet the increasing demands for law enforcement services. This expansion will provide muchneeded additional office space for the Sheriff's deputies and administrative staff, as well as enhance operational capacity.
DRG Architects has been selected to lead the design and planning for this project. DRG is no stranger to the Sheriff's Office, having designed both the original jail facility and a previous jail expansion just a few years ago. Their in-depth knowledge of our operations and processes makes them an ideal partner for this project and we look forward to continuing working with them.
In the next two weeks, Atascosa County will be requesting competitive sealed proposals from qualified contractors for the construction of the Sheriff's Office addition and renovations. These proposals will be received in the office of the County Auditor.
Similarly, the Atascosa County Tax Office has been operating at full capacity for many years. Since the county purchased the building in the early 1990s, the hardworking staff at the Tax Office has been providing essential services to residents year-round. With continued population growth, this expansion is very much needed to accommodate the increasing volume of walk-ins, drive-ins and other services.
For the Tax Office expansion, Davis Powell Architects has been selected to design and oversee the remodel and addition. The advertisement for sealed bids for the construction work was published in last week's newspaper and again this week. Bids will be reviewed by the Atascosa County Commissioners Court and the contract will be awarded during the Commissioners Court meeting on Mon., Dec. 23.
We are confident this expansion will improve both the working environment for the staff and the overall experience for residents when they visit the Tax Office. We at the County remain committed to ensuring that every dollar spent on these projects is a wise investment in the future of Atascosa County.
The funding for these expansions will be drawn from the county's cash reserves, with additional funds available through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), if necessary. Importantly, no new debt will be incurred for these projects, reflecting our commitment to fiscal responsibility.
As I've emphasized in previous updates, it's important to me that these projects are carried out with financial responsibility. We are carefully evaluating costs and overseeing every step to ensure both projects are completed efficiently and within budget. I will continue to provide updates as these projects progress.
If you have any questions or would like more information, please don't hesitate to reach out. You can stay informed by following my official County Judge Facebook page, Atascosa County Judge Weldon Cude, where I post regular updates. You can also contact my office directly at 830-769-3093 or email me at countyjudge@ co.atascosa.tx.us.
Thank you for your continued interest and support as we work to improve the services and facilities that support our great County. Together, we are Atascosa Proud!