Mustard flowers soak up the sun on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at Malinda Leaf Riley Fen & Prairie outside Solon, Iowa. Johnson County plans to issue bonds to voters this fall. If approved, it would provide $30 million for conservation projects. (Jim Slosialek/The Gazette)
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In 2008, the Johnson County Conservation District became the first in Iowa to ask voters to fund conservation bonds.
A 60% vote was needed to pass. The measure was supported by 61% of voters.
The $20 million bond did a good job. It was used to acquire 1,168 acres for public use. This funding was used to extend the hard surface trail system by 9 miles/and 15 projects including Pechman Creek Delta, Clear Creek Trail, Kent Park Improvements, Hoover Trail, Malinda Leaf Riley Farm, and Grasslands played a role in. Access to Sutliff Bridge.
This is a lot of work that, without the preservation bond, might have moved slowly toward completion or remained on the shelf of unrealized plans.
So, given that track record, it’s no surprise that the Johnson County Conservation Commission placed a new conservation bond on the Nov. 5 ballot. That would raise $30 million. For a home with a taxable value of $100,000, paying off the bond would increase property taxes by $7.09 per year.
Again, 60% support is required to pass.
This was a good idea in 2008, and it’s a good idea now. We urge Johns-Conti voters to flip their ballots and approve the bond.
As Congress narrows funding for state parks, county parks are more important than ever. Many of these projects resulted in environmental benefits, such as improved water quality.
Bond-funded projects also improve the quality of life in the county and are an asset for economic development. Johnson County has long led Iowa counties in concerns about the environment and conservation needs. Passing the bond means the county continues to take the lead.
We understand that questions have arisen regarding two department employees who have been placed on administrative leave. One of them was longtime conservation director Larry Garrett, who passed away last month. Operations Director Wade Schultz remains on administrative leave, but county officials have not yet explained the reason for his leave.
Supporters note that bond dollars will be subject to annual audits, which they hope will increase public confidence that the dollars are being spent properly and wisely.
But today’s issues should not prevent voters from investing in their county’s future. A few years from now, we wanted to list even more projects and improvements that would be paid for with new bonds.
(319) 398-8262; editorial@thegazette.com
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