A Justice Center bond referendum is on the ballot this November and it’s important the citizens of Johnson County support this much needed building.

The courthouse was built more than 110 years ago. The lack of courtroom space, proper handicap accessibility, and the safety concerns have been a problem for years. As many residents learn about these conditions and inadequacies, they like me, find it unacceptable and realize the need for a modern justice center.

As a deputy sheriff for Johnson County, I witness the over crowding at the jail daily. The jail was built to house 46 inmates and expanded throughout the years to house 92 inmates. Today the average daily jail population is more than 160. Due to this over crowding, the sheriff has had to house on average more than 70 inmates outside of the county daily. This sends millions of our local tax dollars outside of Johnson County.

We have an opportunity to address and fix space needs at the courthouse and the jail by flipping the ballot over and voting “yes” for the Justice Center. As our county population continues to grow so will our needs for these services. Let’s not kick the can down the road on this important issue.

Steve Dolezal

Iowa City