Airhart: Dallas County Needs New Jail, Administration Building to Keep Up with Growth

Editor's Note: Dallas County Recorder Chad Airhart of Waukee submitted the following opinion piece on next week's Dallas County bond refendum.

I take great pride in being a Dallas County resident and serving our 72,000 citizens as County Recorder. Being one of the fastest growing counties in America, and being known as a fiscally sound and conservative government, put us in stark contrast with other municipalities across America struggling, such as Detroit or San Bernadino, California.

Our Dallas County officials have taken great pride in managing your tax dollars wisely for the past several decades. Due to its frugal management, Dallas County has been able to manage the significant growth without burdening taxpayers. Despite doubling in population from nearly 36,000 in 1997 to close to 72,000 today, the Dallas County Supervisors have taken steps to meet the increased demand in services for the growing population while making due in our current space.

However, much like the Model-T Ford, leaving your front door unlocked and talking on a rotary dial telephone line, those days are behind us. Foreign cars, cell phones and the internet now are part of our daily lives; it is part of adapting to change. For Dallas County to continue to meet the demands of its growing population, we must change with the times.

The proposed administration/public safety facility is a step in the right direction.  This is worthy of our support as Dallas County prepares to properly serve 100,000 people. Yes, I said, 100,000 people. The days of being a rural county are behind us, like it or not. The administration/public safety facility is being designed to meet the county’s need and demand of the growing population for the next 20 to 25 years – when Dallas County nears the 100,000 population mark.

No one enjoys waiting in long lines, being frustrated with parking hassles or walking halfway across the square to conduct county business. When you vote yes on August 6th, the majority of the county business you conduct will be under one roof – with no parking hassles or waiting in long lines on a harsh winter day or in the blistering heat in the middle of summer.

Additionally, as a former Chamber of Commerce Executive Director I see wonderful things happening for the City of Adel by developing in an undeveloped part of the city. Adel fought Waukee in an annexation battle to include this land in Adel, and the county developing there will be anchor for other development. When that development occurs, that new construction will add to the tax base and benefit all Adel residents. This project is good for Adel and our growing county.

The Dallas County Supervisors and elected officials are reliant on forward-thinking to help them prepare for the future. I would ask you to do the same as you weigh in on the importance of this project, and to vote YES on August 6th.

Thank you for your consideration,

Chad Airhart, Dallas County Recorder