• David Tewes •
• Originally published January 27, 2009 at 1:01 a.m., updated January 27, 2009 at 1:01 a.m.

The first phase of a $10 million project to provide Victoria County more courtroom space, office space and parking was put on hold Monday.

"We had fully intended to move forward on that during the first quarter of this year," County Judge Don Pozzi said. "But we have decided to do the prudent thing: Wait and see where we are after the first six months of the year."

Pozzi and the commissioners court had already been considering delaying the work because of the economy. But that decision was firmed up Monday after hearing from financial adviser Bob Henderson.

The county's bond rating has improved under the current administration, Henderson said. While investors are reluctant to buy debt now, Victoria County probably wouldn't have a problem because of its financial condition and size of the proposed debt, he said.

"But I think the commissioners court decision to push the pause button is appropriate," Henderson said, noting the loss of jobs in the region.

While there is no problem with the county government's financial situation, it's best to wait until this summer to decide whether to pursue the project, Pozzi said. The county will have a better idea of what the tax base will be and it will be working on its budget then.

"We fully intend to move forward on the project, but it will be delayed to the latter part of this year or perhaps next year," he said. "But we're continuing to plan so when we are ready to move forward, those plans will be complete."

The county plans to pay for the work with certificates of obligation, which are paid off with income from the property tax. Henderson and Pozzi said there are no plans to raise the tax rate to pay off the debt.

• PHASES OF THE COUNTY PROJECT

  Phase I of the county project would cost about $5 million. It includes a new building to house the tax office, elections office and possibly a Precinct 3 justice of the peace. The building will ...

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PHASES OF THE COUNTY PROJECT

Phase I of the county project would cost about $5 million. It includes a new building to house the tax office, elections office and possibly a Precinct 3 justice of the peace. The building will be downtown where the old Entex office was.

Phase II is also estimated to cost about $5 million. It would include a new building where the old tax office is on Constitution Street to provide a meeting place for the commissioners court. The plan also calls for additional space in the courthouse for the courts and the district clerk.

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