Hopes that a Dallas County bond referendum would reach the 60% supermajority needed for approval faded quickly after polls closed Tuesday night in Adel. While many residents declined on-camera interviews, those who did speak were candid about how and why they voted.A group of longtime friends who have met twice a week for decades said they all voted the same way. “I voted no. And I was pleased with the outcome,” one woman said.The proposal sought $60 million for a 78,000-square-foot criminal courthouse near the Dallas County Law Enforcement Center. The facility would have housed the county attorney’s office, juvenile court services, and parole and probation staff.Supporters pointed to strain on the existing courthouse, which is more than 120 years old. It holds six courtrooms, one of which is under construction, and only three are large enough to seat a full jury.“You’re going to have to try to convince me that it’s really needed,” said a former courthouse employee who voted against the measure. “Do they fill up the court spots every day? I don’t think so.”Dallas County Supervisor Kim Chapman said he was disappointed by the result, noting the county’s rapid growth and the need for additional space. He said it’s unclear what comes next. The Dallas County Board of Supervisors plans to discuss the vote at an upcoming meeting.This is the second time a bond referendum for a new Dallas County Courthouse failed to pass.» Subscribe to KCCI’s YouTube page» Download the free KCCI app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google Play

ADEL, Iowa —

Hopes that a Dallas County bond referendum would reach the 60% supermajority needed for approval faded quickly after polls closed Tuesday night in Adel.

While many residents declined on-camera interviews, those who did speak were candid about how and why they voted.

A group of longtime friends who have met twice a week for decades said they all voted the same way.

“I voted no. And I was pleased with the outcome,” one woman said.

The proposal sought $60 million for a 78,000-square-foot criminal courthouse near the Dallas County Law Enforcement Center.

The facility would have housed the county attorney’s office, juvenile court services, and parole and probation staff.

Supporters pointed to strain on the existing courthouse, which is more than 120 years old. It holds six courtrooms, one of which is under construction, and only three are large enough to seat a full jury.

“You’re going to have to try to convince me that it’s really needed,” said a former courthouse employee who voted against the measure. “Do they fill up the court spots every day? I don’t think so.”

Dallas County Supervisor Kim Chapman said he was disappointed by the result, noting the county’s rapid growth and the need for additional space.

He said it’s unclear what comes next.

The Dallas County Board of Supervisors plans to discuss the vote at an upcoming meeting.

This is the second time a bond referendum for a new Dallas County Courthouse failed to pass.

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