Johnson County asking a consultant for help with proposed justice center

IOWA CITY (AP) - Johnson County is turning to a consultant for help with a proposed downtown justice center that's expected to carry a hefty price tag.

The county's board of supervisors hired a firm in November 2008, but the cost estimate was about $70 million, which board members say is far too high.

A board committee will advise the full board to take on the consultant, Cedar Rapids-based Novak Design Group. The group's study of the proposed justice center will cost $15,000.

The group says it will provide the council with recommendations on the amount of space needed and how much it should cost.

The design group will also recommend assembling a "citizens committee" that would create brochures and go door-to-door explaining the need for the new center.