IOWA CITY

Johnson County’s five-year plan for capital improvements and maintenance includes more than $149 million in improvements.

Melissa Robert, Special Projects Manager, presented the five-year plan to the Johnson County Board of Supervisors during its May 21 work session.

A major part of the plan is a yet-to-be approved sheriff’s office and jail that is expected to cost $80 million and be funded through a bond referendum. It is not clear when the referendum would appear on a ballot although construction is being planned for 2029 and 2030.

Until then, extensive repairs include a new roof and other work being done in Fiscal Year 2026.

Other major portions of the five-year plan include additions and work on conservation trails and a shower house at Kent Park, and additions at the Johnson County Historic Poor Farm.

A $30 million conservation bond referendum was passed in the 2024 general election.

Conservation projects over the next year will include shelter replacements at Kent Park and $4 million of work on the Clear Creek Trail from Half Moon Avenue to Kent Park.

Fleet Shop Bids

SG Construction of West Burlington was the low bidder for the Fleet Shop expansion project off Melrose Avenue.

SG’s bid was just over $1 million with a start date of July 1.

Three other bids ranged up to $1.2 million.

House Bill

Supervisor Rod Sullivan had strong words for the budget bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives that includes large cuts to Medicaid along with tax cuts.

“What I think is one of the worst bills to pass the House of Representatives in 40 or 50 years,” Sullivan said. “That I think is probably the biggest transfer of wealth from the poor to the rich the country has had in probably a hundred years.”

Added Supervisor Chair Jon Green: “The thieves are in charge of the Treasury.”

Hills Election

Sullivan also congratulated Jackson Willette on his election to the Hills City Council in a special election held May 13.

Willette received 36 votes (39%), defeating Julian Bujanowski (32) and Patrick Muller (23).

The Board of Supervisors held a Canvass of Votes session May 20.

Board Action

The Board approved a change order of $26,365 for McComas-Lacina Construction for work done on the county’s Administration and Human & Health Services remodels.

The Board approved a change order of $28,674 for Swanson Construction for work done on the County Courthouse third level renovation project.

The Board set 5:30 p.m. June 12 as the monthly night meeting for rezoning and replatting applications and public hearings.

The Board approved sending a letter to Havenpark Communities on behalf of Johnson County residents living in manufactured home communities.

The Board issued a proclamation in honor of fallen veterans on Memorial Day.

Next meeting:

The Board’s next formal session is at 9 a.m. May 29.