Vote yes on Johnson County conservation bond

Johnson County Conservation was a trailblazer in 2008 when it became the first county in Iowa to ask voters to fund a conservation bond.

It needed a 60% yes vote to pass. The measure was supported by 61% of voters.

The $20 million bond has done good work. It’s been used to acquire 1,168 acres for public uses. The money was used to extend the hard surface trails system by nine miles/ And it played a role in 15 projects, including the Pechman Creek Delta, Clear Creek Trail, improvements at Kent Park, the Hoover trail, the Malinda Reif Reilly Farm and prairie and the Sutliff bridge access.

That’s a lot of work that might have made only slow progress toward completion or might have been left on the shelf of unrealized plans, without the conservation bond.

So, it’s no surprise, given that track record, that the Johnson County Conservation Board has put a new conservation bond on the Nov. 5 ballot. It would raise $30 million. A home with $100,000 in taxable value would see a property tax increase of $7.09 annually to pay back the bonds.

Again, it needs 60% support to pass.

It was a good idea in 2008 and is a good idea now. We urge Johns Conty voters to flip over their ballots and approve the bond.

As the Legislature squeezes funding for state parks, county parks are more important than ever. Many these projects have brought environmental benefit, including improved water quality.

The bond-funded projects have also improved quality of life in the county and are an economic development asset. Johnson County has long led Iowa counties in concerns about the environment and the need for conservation. Passing the bond means the county will continue to lead.

We know questions have been raised about two department employees who were placed on administrative leave. One, longtime conservation director Larry Gullett, died last month. Operational Superintendent Wade Schultz remains on leave, and county officials have, so far, not explained the reason for the leave.

Backers point out that bond dollars will be subject to an annual audit they hope boosts the public’s trust that the dollars are being spent properly and wisely.

But today’s issues should not stop voters from investing in the county’s future. Years from now, we hoped to list more projects and improvements paid for by the new bonds.

(319) 398-8262; editorial@thegazette.com