Joint facility idea has merit

Over the years, we’ve argued many times that cooperation between local and regional governments is needed to save costs and improve services. We’re sort of a broken record when it comes to collaboration.

So even when the possibility of cooperation emerges in preliminary discussions between governments, we feel it’s necessary to recognize the impulse to join forces.

That’s what’s happening in Johnson County, where the possibility of building a new, joint law enforcement facility for use by the county and with Iowa City is being floated.

Nothing is official yet, according to reporting by The Gazette’s Megan Woolard. Neither entity has taken a vote in support. But unofficial talks have popped up among city and county staff, county supervisors, the Johnson County sheriff and Iowa City police chief.

So the right people are at the table. And both law enforcement agencies face similar problems in current facilities.

In July, the county supervisors reviewed a space needs assessment that called for an $80 million office facility with a 140-bed jail. Iowa City also commissioned a master plan and feasibility for a future city hall. The current city hall houses police, the fire department and jail. City leaders would like to relocate the fire and police departments.

The county jail is overcrowded, spawning safety concerns. So, the county has been transferring some inmates to facilities outside the county.

The city is considering moving its police and fire departments to a new location. Both are currently housed in city hall.

Jail projects have been a hard sell to county voters. Referendums in 2012 and 2013 received more than 50% of the vote. But 60% was required for passage.

A joint county/city referendum would need to clear 50% to pass. It’s unlikely a vote would come before the 2026 general election.

Talk of a shared facility is a good start. We urge the county and city to keep on talking and find a way to collaborate.

(319) 398-8262; editorial@thegazette.com