The bill, Senate File 75, requires counties that house a public university to elect county supervisors by districts, rather than having members elected at-large. Further, special elections will now be required to fill most board vacancies in Iowa’s largest counties.
Also in the Capitol Notebook: Iowa’s default speed limit would increase under Senate bill
Also, Johnson County supervisors would be elected by districts, rather than at-large, under legislation passed by the Iowa Senate
Supervisors ask for formal correspondence from Iowa City Council
The law would require the state’s largest counties — and those with a regent university — to elect supervisors from districts
The Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board issued an admonishment for Johnson County Supervisor Royceann Porter’s “improper use of public resources.” Last month, Porter used her county email account to send an email requesting support in a write-in campaign.
The current Johnson County Jail, which opened in 1981, is in “very poor” condition, according to a 2022 facility condition audit. The building has numerous structural deficiencies, including cracks and deterioration in walls, ceilings, and portions of the roof.
Also in Campaign Almanac: Progressive group issues endorsements for Johnson County supervisors.
Johnson County supervisors are paid about $90,000 a year and serve four-year terms. With three seats up for election, the majority of the five-member board faces county voters this year.
The Iowa City Council elected Bruce Teague to serve as mayor for a third time. Mazahir Salih was chosen to serve as mayor pro tem. On the Johnson County Board of Supervisors, Rod Sullivan and Jon Green were appointed chair and vice chair, respectively.
While two counties have said they’d step in to help local victims if necessary, a Central Iowa sexual assault nurse examiner is working with a pharmaceutical company on an agreement to provide the medications to Iowa pharmacies at no cost.
The Johnson County Board of Supervisors voted to provide funding for emergency contraception for victims of sexual assault and rape as a state program remains in limbo.
The Johnson County Board of Supervisors is likely to provide funding for emergency contraception for victims of sexual assault and rape as a state reimbursement program remains in limbo.
The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office and Jail is at a “critical moment,” Sheriff Brad Kunkel said. A recent structural property condition assessment conducted by Axiom Consultants found the facility “has a number of significant deficiencies,” with some requiring immediate attention.
Johnson County officials may follow Polk County’s lead in providing funding for emergency contraception and crisis services for victims of sexual assault and rape after the Iowa Attorney General’s Office halted - at least for now -- covering those expenses.
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