The latest “pay-go” facility project by Smith County will complete its exit from the Smith County Office Building, the former Carlton Building.

Officials and staff gathered at the new Community Supervision & Corrections Department Adult Probation at 217 E. Line St. in downtown Tyler for a ribbon cutting ceremony Friday afternoon. Trusties and staff will move the department’s offices next week.

The county purchased the 11,000-square-foot building and 0.712 acres of land northeast of the Courthouse Annex Building in November 2012 for $425,000.

County Judge Joel Baker said commissioners’ top priority has been to exit the Smith County Office Building and place the probation department in adequate space that is close to other justice system facilities.

Baker said the building and renovations were paid for with “pay-go” money and did not require incurring debt. The remodeled 15,500-square-foot building includes training classrooms and additional parking for probationers.

The total purchase/project costs about $1.8 million, or $113 per square foot.

The Adult Probation Department is housed on several floors within the Smith County Office Building and employs 67 people. More than 5,000 people on court-ordered probation from Smith County courts make required visits as part of their supervision.

Supervision Director Gerald Hayden said his staff is excited about moving to a modern facility with reliable air conditioning and plumbing.

“Adult Probation has been in that building for 33 years, and we’re all very pleased to be moving,” he said.

Hayden said moving to the single-story building will make visitations quicker and his office more efficient. It also removes the possibility of being stuck in an elevator, Hayden joked.

Baker said there has been interest in the Smith County Office Building from developers. In 2010, the county entered a 24-month purchase contract with a local architect, but planned development for the property never gained traction and the contract expired. The county is hopeful it can sell the property because renovating it would cost several million dollars and implosion would cost about $2 million.

The new building is adjacent to the new Sheriff’s Administration Building and within walking distance of the courthouse, which county officials said was important due to frequent interactions between probation officers, the courts and law enforcement.

The Adult Probation Department will continue to operate from the Smith County Office Building during a transition period beginning Tuesday. On Monday, Sept. 9, the Community Supervision & Corrections Department at 217 E. Line St. will open permanently.

“We are very proud that the county has rehabilitated and revitalized yet another facility in the downtown area,” Commissioner JoAnn Hampton said. “It’s a win-win situation for everyone.”