Deterioration of an exterior door at the current Johnson County Jail building. — via johnsoncountyjailbond.comBy Candida Maurer, Iowa City

As I walk through my neighborhood, I notice that many of my liberal-leaning friends have “No New Jail” posters on their lawns. As a confirmed liberal, I see these signs and feel a sense of frustration that these good people aren’t recognizing the important details surrounding the vote for a new jail in Johnson County.

There was a similar vote some years ago, and it failed, but we truly can’t afford for it to fail again. Looking at the johnsoncountyjailbond.com website demonstrates that the county is doing what they can to keep this building in working condition. However, it is increasingly obvious that these Band-Aids literally cannot hold much longer. The building has been confirmed to be in very poor condition by multiple assessments, and at this point it is at the end of its serviceable life. It now poses safety risks to staff, inmates, and the public. Pouring more county money into this building is a losing proposition.

The jail has problems that go far beyond what many of us realize. This includes plumbing, electrical, structural, and environmental concerns (note the picture of the leaking ceiling tiles which appear to be a breeding ground for mold). The County is currently paying $3.2 million dollars to try to keep the building operational. Continuing to dump more of our tax money into what can only be short-term solutions is a terrible way to deal with these concerns.

Additionally, for years the County has been sending prisoners to other counties because of a shortage of appropriate housing. This has cost upwards of $17 million dollars, an amount that continues to rise with each passing day. 

I have heard from neighbors that the County should look at other cheaper options for a new jail. This may have been a good solution two years ago. But if this bond fails, it will take at least another year or two for a plan to be adopted. Unless you believe that the cost of things goes down over time, a new bond is likely to be even more expensive.

No matter how you feel about prisoners and their rights, putting people in this old and outdated facility is unsafe and inhumane. Additionally, the County sheriffs and staff deserve a building that is safe, clean, and functioning.

The planned Johnson County Jail and Sheriff’s Office by Shive-Hattery, via johnsoncountyjailbond.com