Supervisors need to take lead on Lake Delhi

Recently, the Delaware County Board of Supervisors was presented a plan to rebuild the Lake Delhi Dam. Supervisors must commit to the funding of this project. Delaware County stands to lose millions in tax revenue if they don't help.

Without the revenue that comes from Lake Delhi, there will be less money for the libraries, roads, schools and other county services. This will result in higher taxes and lost businesses.

Lake Delhi residents spend an estimated $15 million every year. A loss in spending this great will result in businesses failing, lost jobs and even more lost revenue for the county. Additionally, lake properties will decrease to one-third or less of their value, affecting the tax base.

There should be a three-pronged approach to rebuilding the dam and restoring the lake: the state, Delaware County, and the property owners and friends of Lake Delhi. All three should share the cost of rebuilding.

The Delaware County supervisors should take the lead on this issue as quickly as possible.

Jim Voss

Cedar Rapids