Taylor: Supports Dallas County Jail, Administration Building

Editor's Note: State Rep. Rob Taylor of West Des Moines, District 44, submitted the following opinion piece on next week's Dallas County bond referendum.

When it comes to making hard decisions, I comprehend the process elected officials go through to make a vision a reality. There are studies, months and sometimes years of discussions, and thorough individual research to make sure every step and option is considered.

I have done this as a state representative and after attending the recent Dallas County public information meeting in Waukee, I can assure you the Dallas County Board of Supervisors has been extremely thorough in its decision-making process for the proposed Administration/Public Safety Building.  

I applaud the board's vision for the future and its commitment to meet the current and future needs of our county's residents. Dallas County has experienced challenges and growing pains as a result of the significant population increase in the last decade. The Board’s plan to construct a building that takes into account another 20 years of growth is not only practical, but financially responsible. 

We elect our officials to be forward thinking and responsible with our taxpayer dollars. The plan for the 91,000 square foot building to be constructed in east Adel takes Dallas County’s future growth into consideration. The proposed building will be energy efficient, create more efficiency in the delivery of county services and free up nearly $200,000 that is being spent on rental properties that provide the scattering of county services throughout Adel.  

I am voting YES on Aug. 6 because as a Dallas County taxpayer I appreciate the supervisors’ desire to do what is best for county residents while being financially responsible with my tax dollars.