JoCo Supervisors approve $8 million for new jail costs in FY27 budget

Proposed $99 million jail project faces voter approval in November 2026

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Johnson County Board of Supervisors has approved $8 million in initial design costs for a new $99 million county jail and sheriff's office, pending voter approval of a bond referendum in the November 2026 general election. The board also approved funding for police car replacements, ambulances, and other county vehicles in the Fiscal Year 2027 budget.

Why it matters

The proposed new jail project has sparked debate among the supervisors, with some concerned about the high price tag if voters reject the bond measure. The board also passed a resolution calling for restrictions on federal immigration enforcement funding, highlighting the county's stance on immigration issues.

The details

The $8 million in initial design costs for the new jail were approved in a 4-1 vote by the Johnson County Board of Supervisors, with Supervisor V Fixmer-Oraiz dissenting. The full $99 million jail project is dependent on voter approval of a bond referendum in November 2026. The board also approved funding for the replacement of seven police cars, two ambulances, a school car, and a transport van.

  • The Board of Supervisors approved the $8 million in initial jail design costs on February 4, 2026.
  • A second vote on the full FY27 budget is scheduled for a special work session on February 11, 2026.
  • The $99 million bond referendum for the new jail project is scheduled for the November 2026 general election.

The players

Johnson County Board of Supervisors

The governing body of Johnson County, Iowa, responsible for approving the county's budget and major projects.

Rod Sullivan

A Johnson County Supervisor who expressed concerns about the $8 million price tag for the initial jail design costs.

V Fixmer-Oraiz

The only Johnson County Supervisor to vote against the $8 million in initial jail design costs, citing concerns about the high price tag.

Brad Kunkel

The Johnson County Sheriff who expressed support for the county's plan to install water bottle filling stations in various locations.

Danielle Pettit-Majewski

The Johnson County Public Health Director who proposed the program to install water bottle filling stations in the county.

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What they’re saying

“This is just such a big number. It's not in the bond, and if the voters say no to this, it's just a lot of money.”

— Rod Sullivan, Johnson County Supervisor (thenews-ia.com)

“I do believe that we need a new jail. I just have a hard time swallowing 8 million dollars.”

— V Fixmer-Oraiz, Johnson County Supervisor (thenews-ia.com)

“I think this is a great idea. I think it's important to have potable water available to our residents. That should be something you don't have to ask for. It should be available to everybody.”

— Brad Kunkel, Johnson County Sheriff (thenews-ia.com)

What’s next

The Johnson County Board of Supervisors will hold a second vote on the full FY27 budget, including the $8 million in initial jail design costs, during a special work session on February 11, 2026. The $99 million bond referendum for the new jail project is scheduled for the November 2026 general election, where voters will decide whether to approve the funding.

The takeaway

The proposed $99 million Johnson County Jail project has sparked debate among local officials, with some supervisors concerned about the high price tag if voters reject the bond measure. The board's approval of the initial $8 million in design costs and its resolution targeting federal immigration enforcement funding highlight the county's grappling with criminal justice and immigration issues.