The Johnson County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved two significant items during its Thursday Formal, sending funding to both infrastructure needs and youth diversion services.
The Board approved Change Order #063, a $94,401 expense to install 10 ceiling-mounted heaters above the Johnson County Administration Building. The decision comes in response to a January 2025 freeze event that exposed vulnerabilities in the recently remodeled facility’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, or HVAC, and insulation systems.
During the incident, sub-zero temperatures caused the building’s second floor to plunge into the 20s, raising concerns that the sprinkler system could freeze. Staff intervened to restore heating and drain the system, and while damage was minimal, the event triggered a follow-up inspection by the Iowa City Fire Marshal, who issued an Order to Comply.
The mandate requires Johnson County to keep the building’s sprinkler system functional and ensure that spaces housing the sprinkler pipes stay above 40 degrees Fahrenheit at all times.
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Despite earlier efforts to seal air leaks with insulation and spray foam, admin staff say significant air infiltration remains in areas that are unreachable or hard to detect. The newly approved change order will allow for the installation of heaters that will integrate into the building’s HVAC system, allowing for temperature monitoring and reporting.
Although the cost will exceed the remaining contingency budget by over $84,000, county officials believed the upgrade to be necessary to avoid future emergency repairs.
Youth diversion program
Also approved was a $125,000 Juvenile Diversion Contract with the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, marking a continuation and expansion of Johnson County’s pre-charge diversion program for youth.
The funding, sourced from federal dollars, is in collaboration with United Action for Youth, or UAY, to give alternatives to formal charges for first-time youth offenders facing low-level allegations. The county will keep $8,100 for contract administration and $725 for staff training and travel, while UAY will receive $116,175 to carry out direct services.
The new contract builds on a similar program funded in fiscal year 2023 and hopes to strengthen youth and family support systems. The contract runs from April 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, with the option for a one-year renewal at half the initial funding.