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Sheriff: Johnson County will make offer on private land for new $90M jail; Hills hears county updates and staff proposals
Summary
At the April 27 Hills City Council meeting, Sheriff Kunkel said Johnson County will make an offer on private property for a proposed new jail 'close to 90 million'; county officials updated council on election and tax matters, and staff recommended raising utility deposits and clarifying when meter billing begins.
HILLS — Sheriff Kunkel told the Hills City Council on April 27 that Johnson County will be making an offer on private property for a proposed new county jail and that construction costs "will be close to 90 million." He said more details will be available after the county finalizes the property purchase and that Hills could be considered for space if the city decides to host a facility.
"After they have that set in stone, they will be able to give more info to the public," Kunkel said, adding the county is evaluating locations and costs.
The sheriff's announcement came during a meeting that also included updates from county officials, routine council business and staff policy recommendations. Julie Pearsons, Johnson County Auditor, told council members that supervisor district lines had changed and that residents would receive postcards noting their districts. "I-vote sticker voting will be happening again this year," Pearsons said, and she encouraged the council to follow property tax reform guidance on the league’s website.
Johnson County Attorney Rachel Zimmerman-Smith reported that her office handled about 6,500 cases in 2025 and said the office has remained busy. Treasurer Scott Finalayson said Hills can expect one more larger tax payment this season, noted that Johnson County is using Iowa Tax & Tags for some services, and reminded residents that late tax notices will be mailed; he added the tax sale is scheduled for the third Monday in June.
City staff recommended several changes to utility policy intended to reduce unpaid balances: raising the deposit amount from $100 to $250 for both renters and buyers (buyers would have the deposit returned after 12 months of good standing; renters would receive it back after moving out) and amending building-permit language so water billing begins when a meter is picked up. Council asked staff to bring revised ordinance language back for review.
Council business included routine approvals. The council approved the consent agenda (minutes, claims and receipts) and voted 5–0 to approve a 4th of July parade permit. The council also voted 5–0 to set a public hearing on the FY26 budget amendment for May 26 at 7:00 PM at the Hills Fire Station.
Mayor Kemp described steps on a separate facilities project at school property: a Phase 1 environmental study returned no issues, the council narrowed schematic-design proposals to two firms, and members will meet at noon on May 2 to review updated proposals. Kemp said Phase 2 might be eligible for DNR funding and discussed whether to pursue an urban renewal district or take the question to voters; he also proposed an open house at the current fire station so residents can view the site now used by city services.
The council adjourned at 8:25 PM. The council’s next scheduled procedural steps include a special meeting at noon May 2 to review design proposals and a public hearing on the FY26 budget amendment at 7:00 PM May 26.
