JOHNSON COUNTY, Iowa (KCRG) - A majority of people in Johnson County say they would support a bond referendum to build a new jail. That’s according to a survey report from the University of Iowa.

Johnson County Sheriff Brad Kunkel says the current building is “at the end of its life,” which is why he’s pleasantly surprised to see 74% of people surveyed say they are in favor of a new facility.

But the study comes as a shock to some as the office has asked for approval for a bond referendum for years.

So, what changed? Sheriff Kunkel says in short, more people are aware of the facts.

UI surveyed more than 750 people this summer and nearly 3 in 4 say they’d support building a new jail.

Even more said they’d be in favor of a new facility after learning about the current conditions insid

See Full Page