Dixon County bond for courthouse, law enforcement center fails

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) — Dixon County voters have denied the $20 million bond vote for a new courthouse and law enforcement center .

The vote failed with 725 votes for and 1022 against, only getting 41% of the vote. The measure needed a simple majority of more than 50% to pass. Additionally, Dixon County does all elections completely by mail.

The bond would have helped the county purchase five acres of land and construct a single floor law enforcement center and courthouse in Ponca, Nebraska.

Currently, city officials and police are working out of the original three-floor courthouse that has been standing for 140 years. Dixon County Sheriff Tom Decker said the building possesses a variety of problems as the current jail only has two cells. He also added that they are running out of space for storage.

While space is an issue for all workers in the courthouse, the age of the building has begun to show, causing much worse problems. Dixon County Supervisor Neil Blohm saying there is mold in the courthouse basement, even with subpumps.

Over the past two years, the county has spent $250,000 on repairs for the courthouse.

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