JOHNSON COUNTY, Iowa — A consulting group told the Johnson County Board of Supervisors on Wednesday that repairing all the issues at the Johnson County Jail could cost upwards of $3 million. County officials now face a decision: tackle the costly repairs or close the current facility and relocate.
Sheriff Brad Kunkle has long advocated for a solution to the jail’s infrastructure problems.
A recent report from Axiom Consultants supports his claims, highlighting issues with the jail’s roofing, structure, and drainage system. These problems have resulted in several leaks that have flooded the facility.
Supervisors are currently communicating with officials to work out a timeline to make financially viable decisions for the facility. In the meantime, the county is spending millions to house inmates in other facilities across the area while the board seeks a resolution.
“We have to weigh the cost of these repairs versus just closing it,” Supervisor Rod Sullivan said.
“Clearly something needs to be done with this building now,” Supervisor Lisa Green-Douglass said. “Whether it’s closing it, doing the repair, whatever path we take, something has to happen.”
The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office and Iowa City Police have already begun discussions about collaborating on a shared jail, combining efforts to finance the design and planning process.