Augusta County leaders, members of the judiciary, project partners, and approximately 500 community members gathered on June 3, 2026, at 4 p.m. to celebrate the opening of the new Augusta County Courthouse with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 100 Dick Huff Lane in Verona.
The event opened with a welcome from Augusta County Board of Supervisors Chair Jeff Slaven, followed by a flag-raising ceremony conducted by a joint honor guard from Augusta County Fire-Rescue and the Augusta County Sheriff's Office. Allison Fitzgerald sang the National Anthem, and Chief Deputy John Craft delivered the invocation. Remarks followed and the evening concluded with an open house and community reception until 7 p.m.
In his remarks, Mr. Slaven reflected on the long path to completion of the new courthouse, acknowledging the many decisions and perspectives that shaped the project over the years. He noted that the day marked the culmination of a process that ultimately brought together individuals with differing viewpoints. Mr. Slaven included a recognition of the many individuals and partner organizations whose dedication brought the project to completion, including Assistant County Administrator, Candy Hensley, who served as the project manager for the courthouse construction.
Augusta County Circuit Court judge, The Honorable Shannon T. Sherrill, spoke next and emphasized the historical significance of moving a courthouse and the county seat for the County and for the Commonwealth of Virginia. He described the changing of the county seat as a rare occurrence and not something that happens often.
“Consider that for the first time in nearly 300 years, the seat of Augusta County will stand outside its historic location in downtown Staunton,” Judge Sherrill stated. “...this building will outlast all of us who first occupy it, and that is precisely the point: Courthouses transcend generations, and as judges, clerks, and attorneys come and go, the courthouse is among those institutions that tie each generation to the next.”
Additionally, the move represents a significant milestone in Augusta County's nearly 288-year history. When Augusta County was formed in 1738, county government and court functions were located in what is now the City of Staunton.
In his comments, County Administrator, Timothy Fitzgerald, underscored the importance of the relocation of the County seat and centralization of services in Verona.
“Today, with the opening of this courthouse, we complete the final phase of the vision started nearly 40 years ago. Today, we centralize the administration for all of our essential services for the County, in the County,” said Mr. Fitzgerald.
The new courthouse represents the final phase of Augusta County's Government Center Master Plan that was developed in 1988 and envisioned the centralization of County operations to improve access to public services. With the opening of the courthouse, Verona becomes the center of county government operations, bringing together administrative and judicial functions on a unified campus.
The approximately 124,000-square-foot facility was designed to address longstanding space, security, and operational challenges while providing room for future growth. The courthouse incorporates modern security features, improved accessibility, enhanced technology, and expanded public spaces to better serve residents and visitors. The facility will house all three Augusta County courts, including the Augusta County Circuit Court, the General District Court, and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court; the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office; the Victim Witness Advocacy program; Court Services Unit; and magistrate’s office.
Fitzgerald highlighted the collaborative effort behind the project and thanked past and present Board of Supervisors members along with former Delegate John Avoli and former Senator Emmett Hanger who carried legislation that allowed the 2022 referendum. Appreciation was expressed to Branch Builds and their many subcontractors; to Skanska; and to Moseley Architects and Timmons Group – all who were instrumental in the building and design of the courthouse.
Mr. Fitzgerald included, “I would like to express my gratitude to Augusta County staff. To every employee, department head, court official, and project partner who contributed to this effort while continuing the daily work of serving our citizens — thank you.”
County staff, including the facilities management and information technology departments led by Rusty Sprouse and Jackie Zetwig, were thanked along with a special recognition of Candy Hensley for her long-term leadership of the project.
Augusta County courts will begin operations in the new courthouse on Monday, June 15, 2026. To facilitate the move and transition, court facilities in downtown Staunton and Verona will be closed June 8–12.
The new Augusta County Courthouse is located at 100 Dick Huff Lane in Verona.
For more information about Augusta County government, visit the County's website or follow Augusta County on social media. Visit the courthouse project page for more information about the construction.
