Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
Voters in Salt Lake City generously authorized a tax increase to pay for the construction of a much-needed new public safety complex in the capital city. City leaders now have a fiduciary responsibility to use the $125-million at their disposal most wisely.
That, in KSL's view, means exercising a hefty dose of good sense in the final selection of a site for the complex, as well as the design of buildings that will be functional, durable and long lasting. Every effort, of course, should be made to avoid any appearance of opulence and excess.
It also means working expeditiously toward an agreement with the State of Utah to share the cost of an Emergency Operations Center that would serve the needs of both government entities. It has been said a shared facility would save Utah taxpayers millions of dollars.
City officials certainly made the case that a new facility is needed. The graphic images of conditions in the existing building were enough to persuade 66-percent of voters to fork over an additional $75 annually in taxes on the average sized home in the city.
That's a hefty taxpayer commitment to public safety. It warrants a facility and services that are reflective of the public's generous investment.
