Wasatch Open Lands Board weighs new bond to replenish $10 million conservation fund

Heidi Franco, chair of the Wasatch County Open Lands Board, opened the board’s Feb. 10 meeting by noting that the board has effectively spent the $10 million the county approved in the 2018 open-lands bond and that members should decide whether to pursue a new bond.

Board members and county and city representatives discussed moving forward this year with a new ballot measure to restore conservation funding, coordinating with Midway City and other local jurisdictions, and gathering financial details to present to voters. The board also approved the draft minutes from its Jan. 13, 2024 meeting by motion and voice vote (4–0, 1 abstention).

The board’s bond discussion focused on timing, optics and funding mechanics. Board members noted the original $10 million was authorized in 2018 and was structured in two $5 million tranches. Several members suggested asking the county council to place a new bond question on this year’s ballot so the public could decide whether to replenish the fund, while others urged caution about the additional tax burden on property owners and local businesses.

Board members said the county’s practice has been to recommend paying roughly 20% of a property’s appraised value toward purchasing development rights, with the landowner providing a 25% owner contribution in some cases and federal or other conservation programs covering a large share (members referenced NRCS and the RCPP program as common matching sources). The board discussed whether to increase the local match for projects that include public access from 20% to 25% but did not adopt a code change; members recalled prior advice to keep matching percentages as policy rather than a fixed code requirement so staff retains flexibility.

Several members emphasized the need for better financial modeling and public outreach before pursuing a ballot measure. The board agreed to request detailed levy and per-household cost estimates from County Finance Director Randy Bates and to coordinate communication with the county public information officer (Joan). Midway City representatives said Midway is preparing its own bond and that the two jurisdictions could share research and polling; the board set a public informational session for March 1 (11 a.m.–1 p.m., Midway Community Center) where county staff, Midway officials and conservation partners will be available.

Members noted specific local funding sources and constraints discussed during the meeting: vehicle-registration fees dedicated to open-space purposes, a pending conservation-fee ordinance under consideration by the city, and private fundraising efforts for Northfields properties. The board discussed the practical effect of rising property values — several members said higher assessed values reduce the per-parcel levy needed to raise a given bond amount — and the political challenge of asking voters for another levy so soon after the 2018 authorization.

Next steps the board agreed to pursue included: (1) a meeting with Randy Bates to get updated levy and per-residence estimates broken out by primary/secondary residences and commercial properties; (2) producing written materials and periodic articles about existing projects and how bond funds have been spent; and (3) continuing coordination with Midway City on timing and outreach. Heidi Franco said she will prepare an annual report draft for the board to review and circulate to the county council.

Votes at a glance

- Motion: Approve draft minutes of Jan. 13, 2024, as presented. Mover: not specified in transcript. Second: Justin J. Keys. Vote tally: yes 4, abstain 1. Outcome: approved.

The board did not adopt any ordinance or bond question at the meeting; members framed the discussion as preparatory work and fact-finding, not a final decision to place a measure on the ballot.