IOWA CITY

Johnson County’s 30-year chase after a slice of downtown Iowa City property ended last week when the Board of Supervisors approved a $5.5 million purchase of a property located just west of the county’s Administration building.

The vote was 4-0 during the July 9 formal session, but Supervisor Mandi Remington abstained because she had some unanswered questions.

The property is on the northeast corner of Benton and Capitol Streets.

“This purchase agreement marks the culmination of three decades of negotiation and represents a generational investment for the residents of Johnson County,” Supervisor Chair Jon Green said in a statement. “While we do not have immediate plans for the property, I recognize needs evolve and grow over the decades. When such a need arises in the future, the county will be well positioned to respond.”

The property, which includes a former CarMax location, was the only place where the county campus could really expand. It is locked on the east side by Ralston Creek and on the north side by a number of University of Iowa buildings and properties.

The purchase agreement came just one week after the county agreed to purchase property located next to the Johnson County Historic Poor Farm for the purpose of constructing a new county jail and sheriff’s office.

Jail Talk

The potential of a new jail continued to be a focus last week as two county residents spoke out against the jail during public comment and taped out a portion of the board chamber’s carpet to illustrate how small they believe the “cages” for prisoners would be.

Supervisor V Fixmer-Oraiz, who has voiced opposition to tentative jail designs presented by Shive-Hattery consultants, used part of the closing comments at the formal session to thank residents who have voiced their opinions.

“I want to thank the community for caring,” Fixmer-Oraiz said. “It has not gone unnoticed that people have spent time and energy out of their day jobs, out of their lives, out of their families, out of doing things with their friends … to focus on something that is as important as a jail.”

Public input sessions are being planned for July, August and September.

The Board has not yet approved language for a bond referendum question that would be placed on the November elections ballot. The amount is expected to be $96 million.

Where’s the Agenda?

Where can you find agendas for board meetings?

In addition to online, the Board approved a resolution calling for meeting agendas to be posted at the Johnson County Health and Human Services building, Administration building, Kent Park and Secondary Roads office, in addition to locations where the meetings are held.

For online, go to: johnsoncountyiowa.gov.

Board Action

The Board approved a $20,000 child care services agreement with 4C’s of Johnson County.

The Board approved a bridge replacement contract of $631,722.47 with Iowa Bridge & Culvert of Washington for a bridge on Morse Road NE.

The Board approved the appointment of Aaron Amundson as Deputy Medical Examiner.

Next Meeting

The next formal session is scheduled for 9 a.m. July 16.