The Johnson County Board of Supervisors did not approve contracting a study which would have compared two possible sites for a new jail and could have cost up to $15,000.

The proposed study would show a cost comparison of two options — a joint jail and courthouse near downtown Iowa City or converting the current Press-Citizen building into a jail and expanding the current courthouse.

The supervisors had planned on pursuing the joint jail and courthouse until the Press-Citizen building went up for sale. Since then, they have disagreed whether one site would be more cost-effective than the other.

Supervisor Rod Sullivan said a decision has been delayed while the supervisors contemplated the Press-Citizen site.

“I am extremely frustrated by this entire process; 344 days ago, we were unanimous on it,” he said.

Supervisor Pat Harney said he was in favor of the study as a way to explore all possible options for a new jail.

“It is part of the democratic process, we have to look what is in the best interest of the tax-payer,” Harney said.

The decision was 2-2; the board is at an even number after Supervisor Larry Meyers died last month. When a tie occurs, the proposition is dropped.

— by Scott Raynor