Washington County's new public safety headquarters is moving from demolition dust to construction plans after commissioners approved a $41.2 million contract package Thursday. The 2-1 vote clears the way for a three-story complex meant to bring 911 operations, sheriff's functions and county offices under one newer roof.
Commissioners Nick Sherman and Electra Janis voted for the four-bid package, while Larry Maggi opposed it over the project's price and broader public-safety spending, according to the Observer-Reporter. The general contractor is Massaro Construction Group of Pittsburgh, which was awarded $28.48 million.
The remaining contracts cover $5.563 million for electrical work by Clista Electric, $5.374 million for mechanical and HVAC work by Lugaila Mechanical, and $1.8 million for plumbing and fire suppression systems by Wheels Mechanical Contracting & Supplier of Elrama. County officials said the work will rely on qualified local companies, union laborers and union carpenters.
A New Home For 911 And County Operations
The project will rise on the former Courthouse Square site, where the county office building and garage were recently demolished after years of settlement problems. Plans call for the new building to house the 911 dispatch center, sheriff's office, booking center, county government offices and meeting space for civic institutions, as previously reported by the Observer-Reporter.
The new facade is expected to echo the neighboring Crossroads Center county office building across West Beau Street. The county has described the complex as state-of-the-art and energy efficient, while officials say replacing the deteriorating Courthouse Square structure should reduce long-term costs.
The award follows a bumpy bidding process. A local contractor's questions delayed the original bid opening, but the county later reset the schedule for a special meeting Thursday, according to WJPA.
The Price Tag Was The Flashpoint
Maggi's opposition centered on the construction cost and the county's separate upgrade of its 911 emergency radio system. Together, the building and radio project are estimated at nearly $75 million, the Observer-Reporter reported.
Washington County spent about $6 million demolishing Courthouse Square and approved a $12.5 million bond in November 2024 to help cover demolition and construction. The remaining building costs are expected to come from the county's capital expenditure reserve fund.
Sherman said officials hope to break ground by late August, with construction and the building's opening targeted for early 2028. After the protest, county solicitor Gary Sweat said officials had clarified the reasons for the project's public liability agreement and did not expect additional issues with the bid awards.
