Hunter
05/30/24
A preliminary proposal to replace the Johnson County Jail has an estimated price tag of $80 million.
Sheriff Brad Kunkel has discussed the inadequacies of the current facility numerous times during his monthly segments on KCJJ. They include cracks and deterioration in the walls, ceilings, and roof; inadequate cell space given the growth of the community since the current facility was built in 1981; and issues with plumbing and HVAC infrastructure.
The current facility has a functional capacity of 65 beds, but actually has 92. In addition, a Shive-Hattery study commissioned by the County showed that housing overflow inmates in other facilities has cost over $96 million over a 20-year period.
The preliminary design proposal was unveiled at the Board of Supervisors work session Wednesday. It would increase functional capacity to 140 beds, with space to add another 100 beds if needed; a pod-style design that would give staff direct lines of sight to prisoners without the need for additional staffing; a larger medical unit; and improved training facilities for law enforcement.
The proposal has already generated some pushback. Supervisor V Fixmer-Oraiz questioned the need for additional beds as incarceration rates are dropping, and the lack of public input during the design process.
Board chair Rod Sullivan said there’s still time to update the jail design based on public input. They plan to further discuss the subject at its next work session on June 26.