Don’t give up on a joint facility

We’ve spent a lot of ink over the years encouraging government entities in our area to pursue regional cooperation, hoping to save money and increase efficiency.

So, we were heartened to hear that the Johnson County Sheriff’s office and the Iowa City Police Department were considering a joint facility to meet both agencies’ facility needs.

Then came last week. After the plan received a lukewarm reception from the Iowa City Council, Johnson County Sheriff Brad Kunkel swiftly sent a letter to the county Board of Supervisors stating that he no longer wants a joint facility.

It was abrupt and surprising. Why tear up a good idea because of council opposition?

The Council voted 4-3 to pass a resolution directing the city attorney to start drafting articles of incorporation for a joint law enforcement authority with the county to explore a potential joint facility.

So, three members did object, Laura Bergus, Oliver Weilein and Mazahir Salih. And one who voted yes, Mayor Bruce Teague, opposes putting the joint facility on city-owned land, near Riverside Drive and Highway 6.

“I am not for placing a law enforcement facility at that location site … I really believe that is a great opportunity for the city to showcase something that really highlights our values as land that we own,” Teague said at the Feb. 4 city council meeting.

City council opposition prompted Kunkel’s letter to the Board of Supervisors. Kunkel wrote he does not “see a viable path forward for a joint facility.”

Kunkel should not give up so soon. At the very least, Kunkel should wait until the November election, which could change the council lineup.

And there are solid reasons for pushing ahead.

For one, building a joint facility means a bond issue would only need support from more than 50% of voters. If the county goes on alone, its plan must be approved by more than 60% of voters. It’s a hurdle that has tripped up past plans.

A feasibility study found that building a joint facility would save $9.4 million in construction and 16,000 square feet of space compared to the cost of separate facilities. And the county has not yet identified a different site for its project.

Instead of abandoning the idea, more can be done to sell the attributes of the joint facility to city leaders. Rather than letting discord among local leaders scuttle a joint project, both governments should go back to the table and shape a plan. There’s plenty of time, with a bond vote set for November 2026.

We urge all parties involved not to let regional cooperation fade away. For taxpayers, for future public safety needs, and to do the right thing for constituents, don’t let the discussion die.

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