How often do you hear about a government project that comes in under budget, particularly one as long in-the-making as the new Kane County Jail?

Forgive us if we were a bit skeptical when jail consultant Jim Robertson said in 2006: "The only time the guaranteed maximum price will change is if you, as the Kane County Board, want to add something. You are in the driver's seat."

Who would have thought someone could quote a budget -- particularly one as large as $56 million -- and then stick to it? Who would have thought a government body responsible for managing your tax dollars would, well, responsibly manage them?

But that's what the Kane County Board appears to have done with its jail project. The new jail -- which is next to the Judicial Center west of Geneva and will be dedicated today -- actually cost about $2 million less to construct than quoted.

The county, in approving construction, made the wise move of securing a guaranteed maximum price with the contractors involved. That meant any costs greater than $56 million would have been paid for by the contractors.

Throughout the sometimes controversial process of building a new jail, the County Board has made tough if not always popular decisions. But we believe the board has kept its promise to taxpayers by building a jail under budget without having to raise taxes.

At the very least, the Kane County Board should be given credit for getting done what political will couldn't muster earlier despite the critical need: building a new jail.