The request for county funding comes at a critical time. Funds were previously awarded to Dubuque, Council Bluffs and Sioux City. Naysayers, both in Waterloo and outside the city limits, will point to the recent county budget. Supervisors struggled to fund services without raising taxes. They fell short of that goal and adopted a plan calling for a 7.4 percent increase in property tax askings for the next budget year.
Timing requires rapid action from the supervisors.
A vote on issuing bonds could not be scheduled before the Vision Iowa board meets. While this is regrettable, it is a circumstance that Iowa law allows. No public position, project or issue passes the interest of our residents without dispute, examination and criticism. That's not all bad, but this is a situation that demands immediate attention and action. It is an investment in our future and a profound statement of confidence in our ability to survive and prosper.