How about refurbishing facility?

The taxpayers of Johnson County are being asked to fund the construction of a new jail for more than $40 million. Many arguments have been presented, including eliminating the cost of transporting prisoners to other facilities, space deficiencies and safety. However, I do not think the reasons given justify the proposed expenditure. Further, there is little information about what it will cost to staff and operate the new facility after it's built.

Could it be possible to reconstruct and update the current facility to provide appropriate facilities for the prisoners, staff, visitors and other services, for a lot less money? Maybe an add-on into the adjacent parking lot, or the addition of another story, or two, to the current building would provide what is needed.

Additionally, in an expanded facility, more could be done to rehabilitate those who are incarcerated, so they don't reoffend. Perhaps a chapel area can be included in a redesign of the current facility to allow for the prisoners.

A vote “no” will tell government officials that they need to find a less expensive alternative to provide needed services.

Gary Fischer

Iowa City