The Taxpayers Association of Central Iowa announced Wednesday the creation of a new “In the Public Interest” award to honor public officials and citizens who create the “most efficient public services.” The association will give the award annually, starting with its next annual meeting in February. “Taxpayers work very hard for the money they send to local and county governments, schools and other public entities,” said Marc Ward, president of the association, in a news release. “They have a right to expect public officials will use that money as wisely and effectively as possible.”