Lang
12/10/24
The Johnson County Jail and Sheriff’s Office facilities are cramped, old and facing structural issues. Iowa City City Hall is running out of room and the police department is considering moving to a new location.
The two problems could be solved simultaneously under plans now being considered by county and city officials. Discussions are in the early stages to build a joint facility for the two agencies.
Both Sheriff Brad Kunkel and Police Chief Dustin Liston have indicated they would support looking into the cost-effectiveness of such a move.
The Johnson County Board of Supervisors and the Iowa City City Council plan to continue discussions in the coming months, and are interested in hearing public input.
Bond issues that would have financed a new jail have been put before Johnson County voters for over a decade, but have failed to reach the 60% supermajority needed to pass.