Proposed Johnson County Justice Center could cost more than expected

A proposed justice center in Johnson County could cost tax payers up to $55 million.

Original estimates for the proposed jail and courthouse had been at $39 million, but county officials have recently favored designs ranging from $40 to $55 million.

"There are a lot of factors to consider," Johnson County Sheriff Lonny Pulkrabek said.  "There's a lot of work ahead of us, we've got to sell this to the public."

The new justice center would replace both the courthouse and jail.   Since the proposed site is between the two current facilities, Pulkrabek said there may still be  a use for the current Sheriff's office, if the plan is approved.

"We've got to make a lot of decisions," he said.  "That could bring down the price."

Johnson County Supervisor Janelle Rettig said the vote will likely be part of the November general election.  Avoiding a special election would save the county $80,000, Rettig said.

Since 2001, the county has spent more than $6 million on housing overflow inmates at neighboring county jails.  That figure does not include the cost of transportation.

"We're arguably the fourth most populous county now," Pulkrabek said.  "And we have the 15th largest jail, that tells you in the simplest math, we have not kept up with the growth."

County officials are working with architects on a final design, which they hope to release sometime in April.

"We need to show them what they are voting on," Pulkrabek said.  "Before we can ask them to vote."