Future Projects – South County Annex
This week wraps up my series on the building committees and the planning efforts underway to prepare for the future needs of our county. For this final article, I want to focus on the proposed South County Annex in Rockdale and why replacing the current One-Stop Center is both timely and necessary for the people we serve.
Over the past several years, the southern portion of Milam County has become the fastest-growing part of our county. New homes are going up, families are moving in, and businesses are expanding. That growth is something to be proud of, but it also brings new responsibilities. As more people choose to live and work in the south end of the county, the demand for county services continues to grow right along with it.
The current One-Stop Center has served us well for many years, but it has simply outgrown its space. Offices are tight, parking is limited, and there is very little flexibility to expand or add services. Our employees work hard every day to help the public, but the building was never designed to handle the level of activity we’re seeing today — much less what we expect in the years ahead.
Right now, many residents rely on that facility to take care of everyday needs — paying their taxes, filing permits, accessing the justice courts and probation services, visiting the workforce office, meeting with the health department, obtaining WIC assistance, or connecting with VA services. These are not occasional stops; they are essential services that families depend on regularly. When departments are crowded and space is limited, it slows things down for everyone and makes it harder for us to deliver the level of service our citizens deserve.
That’s why the idea of a South County Annex makes sense. The goal isn’t simply to build something bigger — it’s to build something smarter. A thoughtfully planned annex would allow us to bring many of these services together under one roof in a building designed specifically to serve the public. It would provide adequate workspace for staff, room to grow as demand increases, and easier access for residents who shouldn’t have to drive across the county just to take care of routine business.
Just as importantly, we’re taking a different approach to this project than has been taken in the past. We’re not rushing into construction or making decisions without input. Instead, we’re forming committees, gathering feedback, studying our needs carefully, and planning ahead. Good planning on the front end saves taxpayers money and prevents costly fixes later. It also helps ensure that what we build today will serve Milam County well for decades to come.
When I took office, I inherited major construction projects that had very little public input and limited long-term planning. My goal has always been to do better — to be deliberate, transparent, and prepared. Through these committees, we are laying the groundwork now so that when the time comes to move forward, we have a clear and responsible plan in place rather than reacting under pressure.
At the end of the day, this is about service and stewardship. The south end of our county is growing, and it deserves facilities that reflect that growth. By planning today, we make sure we’re ready tomorrow and continue providing the quality of service the people of Milam County expect and deserve.
