Hunter
04/16/26
The Johnson County Board of Supervisors held a formal meeting Wednesday that included public comment on the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget.
The Daily Iowan reports during the public comment section of the budget hearing, community members voiced their disapproval of the budget.
The proposed budget includes a nearly $3.3 million increase in the county’s public safety and legal services budget. One community member called for greater transparency and public reporting for county attorneys and the Sheriff’s office, and a salary freeze for high ranking positions in those departments. Lisa Martincik pointed out that two people have died at the jail; one in March 2024 and one in March of this year. She added that other than news stories about crime, most residents are unaware of what happens in the county jail.
A member of Escucha Mi Vos asked the board to amend the 2027 budget to include $300,000 for immigration advocacy services, pointing out that nearly 1 in 10 Johnson County residents are foreign-born.
Supervisor Jon Green said due to budget deadlines, it was too late to add anything to the proposed budget, but said the board will most likely work with the group to come up with something in the future.