WASHINGTON — County Supervisors toured a newly renovated facility at Orchard Hill on Tuesday, navigating around contractors who were still cleaning, painting, and addressing unfinished areas in the building that will soon serve as the supervisors' new meeting place.

Despite some reservations from county staff about the timeline for completion, Supervisor Marcus Fedler expressed confidence that the building was closer to being ready than it appeared. He confirmed that supervisors would begin holding meetings there next week.

“It’s very minor stuff that they’re working their way through here and there,” Fedler remarked. Having been an unofficial liaison with contractors since the project’s inception in 2024, he added, “At the end of the day, it’ll all be gone.”

Others on-site were less optimistic, with one construction worker voicing concerns about the ability to deliver supplies and staff to the building due to an expected snowstorm on Wednesday.

As of Tuesday morning, several tasks were still incomplete, including the installation of window blinds, electronic door locks for confidential sessions, and furnishing the supervisors' meeting room. Additionally, the relocation of files and equipment from current county offices to the new facility remained on the to-do list. Security camera setups and the placement of key fobs also had yet to be addressed.

The remodeled building promises to offer several amenities, such as a conference room, a modern meeting space for supervisors with elevated desks at the front, and an upgraded breakroom. A key feature of the building is its connection to the adjacent Washington County Emergency Communications Center, further enhancing its utility.

The new building will house a range of county services, including environmental health, mental health, Veterans Affairs, and IT departments. The bulk of the renovations, which came at a cost of around $2.5 million, were funded through the county’s share of the American Rescue Plan Act. These funds were allocated by the federal government to help local governments recover from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

While initial concerns about the Orchard Hill project surfaced in the community — particularly among downtown business owners who worried that the relocation of certain county offices might divert foot traffic away from their storefronts — officials later struck a compromise. More frequently visited departments, such as those of the auditor, treasurer, and recorder, were kept at the county courthouse, maintaining their proximity to the downtown area.

The project has run slightly over budget throughout its development. However, officials have assured the public that it remains within the allocated contingency funds, and no additional financing will be needed.

As the renovation nears completion, the building's readiness for use remains the topic of ongoing discussion. Fedler emphasized the relatively minor tasks that remain, while some workers voiced skepticism about meeting the upcoming deadline due to weather conditions. Either way, the new space is set to serve as the central meeting hub for Washington County Supervisors starting next week.

Additional Information:County officials are also preparing for the transition of staff and resources to the Orchard Hill building. The move includes logistics for setting up IT systems, securing office furniture, and integrating services such as veteran support and environmental health into the new location. Supervisors have been in regular contact with contractors to ensure that final touches are completed promptly. However, some staff members have raised concerns about the upcoming snowstorm and whether the building will be fully prepared for its first meeting.

The remodel at Orchard Hill marks a significant milestone for Washington County, combining modern amenities with a convenient location for county operations. The building is poised to become a cornerstone for county governance, with a focus on providing efficient services and maintaining a professional space for supervisors and staff alike.

Originally reported by Kalen McCain in Southeast Iowa Union.