Proposed Fayette County
Government Center
Located south of I-70 and Highway 40, the proposed Government Center is designed to improve efficiency and ensure the County can meet the needs of today’s residents but also grow towards the future.
Proposed Government Center Floor Plan
The proposed Fayette County Government Center would include these important functions:
Circuit Clerk
County Board
County Clerk & Recorder
County Coroner
County Detention Center
County Sheriff
County Treasurer
Courtrooms
Emergency Management Agency (EMA)
Probation Office
Public Defender
State’s Attorney
Supervisor of Assessments
The proposed Government Center would be located near the intersection of Interstate 70 and Highway 40, with the main entrance on Mattes Avenue. This property is being held for potential purchase until Fayette County voters go to the ballot on April 1.
Although it was a difficult decision to move the project from its current location, the Courthouse is on a tight site that has no room for expansion. There was not land readily available in downtown Vandalia that could accommodate the project needs, such as multiple entrances and a minimum of five acres.
Proposed Government Center Location
Project Cost & Financing
The proposed Government Center is budgeted to cost just under $45 million, including everything needed to occupy and use the facility.
On April 1, Fayette County voters will vote YES or NO on a 1.0% sales tax to fund the project, which would bring in $2,160,000 annually to go towards the project’s bond payment.
This sales tax would be in effect for a maximum of 35 years and have a mandatory sunset after the project is paid off completely.
Fayette County Proposed vs. Existing Facilities - Square Footage Comparison
Coroner
Jail
Vehicular Sallyport
Sheriff
Probation
State Attorney
Courtrooms/ Board Rooms
Judges’ Chambers/ Court Reporters
Public Defender
Treasurer
Clerk/ Recorder
EOC / Dispatch / Training
Assessor
Circuit Clerk
Public Space
Staff Corridors / Storage / Mechanical Space
Total SF
New (SF)
811
16,759
3,023
2,552
2,536
1,543
5,824
1,879
916
686
1,692
2,644
1,369
1,432
5,800
10,234
59,700
Existing (SF)
44,386
449
9,393
0
2,012
1,263
1,697
6,745
3,788
1,749
303
732
2,061
3,393
2,292
2,620
5,889
Diff (SF)
15,314
362
7,366
3,023
540
1,273
-154
3,489
2,036
130
613
-46
-369
-749
-923
-1,188
-89
% Change
135%
181%
178%
N/A
127%
201%
91%
152%
154%
107%
302%
94%
82%
78%
60%
55%
98%
Notes
Existing space includes 144 square foot morgue at the hospital.
Current Jail originally designed for 36 beds with more beds added later within the same space, new facility would have 80 beds (increase of 4) but meet current minimum jail standards with a dedicated unit for detainees awaiting behavioral health treatment.
No vehicular sallyport at the existing facility.
Existing space was adapted from Sheriff's apartment built in 1968; new facility would add interview room and more evidence storage.
Office has grown significantly and needs 9 offices instead of the previous 5; juvenile probation will have a dedicated entrance separate from adult probation
Added conference rooms and space for pre-trial holding of detainees
Office has grown significantly and needs 3 offices instead of 1.
Space reduced due to going to electronic records.
Going from offices to cubicles.
Space reduced due to increased utilization of electronic records.
Separate restrooms added for staff; includes secure path for inmates from jail that does not intersect public.