Story County Water and Land Legacy Bond Information

BALLOT LANGUAGE

"Shall the County of Story, State of Iowa, enter into one or more loan agreements and issue its general obligation bonds in an amount not exceeding $25,000,000 for the purpose of paying the costs, to that extent, of (i) improving and protecting the water quality of rivers, lakes, and streams and reduction in flooding; (ii) for acquisition and development of land for public parks and wildlife areas; and (iii) for construction and improvement of trails and conservation facilities or other recreation or conservation purposes, to be managed by the Story County Conservation Board, with full public disclosure of all expenditures?"

FACTS

Over 70% of Story County residents visit the Story County Conservation parks and trails annually. There is increasing demand to enhance and invest in recreation, public spaces, and clean water.

The bond funds preservation and protection of land and water which is needed to maintain a healthy, natural environment for future generations.

A $25 million, twenty-year obligation bond increases the cost to homeowners (median household) in Story County by $2.60 per month ($32 annual) in property taxes.

The bond issue requires a super majority to pass which is a public vote of 60% or more in favor of the bond to receive approval.

Story County Conservation's mission is to connect people with nature and improve natural resources, making Story County a great place to live, work, and recreate. Story County Conservation is governed by a volunteer board and are responsible for making decisions regarding the management and policies of the county's conservation areas and programs.

Story County Conservation will leverage the bond by utilizing contributions from private donors, grant funding, and community partnerships to enhance the county's investment, maximizing the impact of the bond investment.

The distribution of the Story County Water and Land Legacy Bond spending is as follows: Parks 36%, Water and Habitat 32%, Trails & Outdoor Recreation 32%

VOTING INFORMATION

Vote in Person: Tuesday, November 5th. Polls open at 7:00 am and close at 8:00 pm.

Vote by Mail: The deadline to request an absentee ballot is October 21.

To find your voting location or request an absentee ballot, please contact the Story County Auditor at (515)382-7210

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THE STORY COUNTY WATER AND LAND LEGACY BOND

Story County voters will have an opportunity to protect the water quality of rivers, lakes, and streams; provide nature education for children and adults; protect wildlife habitat; and offer outdoor recreational opportunities such as fishing, hunting, hiking, biking, picnicking, camping, and canoeing for everyone in Story County.

PRESERVATION:

Investing in land and water preservation maintains wildlife habitat, protects clean water sources, mitigates flooding damage and preserves property value.

• Provide flooding mitigation and riverbank stabilization on the Skunk River
  • Extend the Skunk River Greenbelt south for floodplain water retention to reduce pressure on downriver communities and land owners and provide wildlife habitat
  • Stabilize Skunk River streambanks to reduce nutrient and soil loss.
• Provide stable, long-term water quality and habitat for woodlands and prairies
  • Improve Skunk River oxbows to help with flooding mitigation through flood water retention and improve habitat
  • Create aquatic habitat for less common species at the Wicks Wildlife Area oxbow wetlands
  • Preserve water quality at Hickory Grove Park beach through tiered overlook and water runoff treatment area
  • Allow for fish and mussel passage in the Skunk River by modifying Hannum's Mill Dam

RECREATION:

Quality of life enhancing amenities provide the opportunity to participate with nature and engage in outdoor hobbies while creating spaces for social interaction, fostering a sense of community and attracting visitors.

• Provide an expanded and connected biking and walking trail network
  • Trail network, education signage, parking area, and picnic shelter at Deppe Family Conservation Area (new property adjacent to McFarland Park)
  • Bike trail from Ames to Slater as an alternate to the R38 bike lanes
  • Trail connection between Ames trail system and McFarland Park
  • Complete the paving of Heart of Iowa Nature Trail from Collins to Marshall County
• Provide outdoor opportunities including fishing, hunting, hiking, picnicking, camping, canoeing/kayaking
  • Dedicated parking lot, trailhead, restrooms and shelter addition to the Tedesco Environmental Learning Corridor
  • Accessible ADA compliant pathways, beach access, fishing pier, and kayak launch at Hickory Grove Park
  • Year round, family-style rental cabin at Dakins Lake
  • Parking and kayak launch on the Skunk River at the C.J. Shreck Access and Anderson Access
  • Create safe passage for kayakers and canoers on the Skunk River through modification of Hannum's Mill low head dam
  • Hunting opportunities in the Skunk River Greenbelt

EDUCATION:

Connecting open spaces, parks, and natural areas with education engages children and adults in outdoor activities and recreational programs where play and physical activity is encouraged creating healthy individuals and communities.

• Construction of an environmental education and nature center at McFarland Park along with public gathering space and administrative center for staff
• Full-time educational facility for programs, camps and classrooms
• Launch an outdoor recreation initiative at McFarland Park to gather, learn and engage with nature

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FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

• What does Story County Conservation do?

The mission of Story County Conservation is to connect people with nature and improve natural resources, making Story County a great place to live, work, and recreate. Story County Conservation (SCC) manages more than 3,500 acres of parks and natural areas, including lakes, campgrounds, and trails, along with an additional 5,500 acres of roadside habitat through the Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management program. To learn more, click here.

• What does the Story County Conservation Board do?

Story County Conservation is governed by a board of five members who are appointed by the Story County Board of Supervisors. These members serve five-year terms and are responsible for making decisions regarding the management and policies of the county's conservation areas and programs. To learn about the board, click here.

• How does a Conservation Bond work?

The county can issue a general obligation bond for conservation projects at a low cost to taxpayers. For instance, a $25 million, twenty-year general obligation bond for conservation would increase the county's annual debt service payments by $1.839 million and cost the median homeowner about $32 per year in additional property taxes.

The bond issue is placed on the ballot for a public vote and requires 60% or more of bond voters (a supermajority) to receive approval.

• Will my taxes increase if the bond is approved?

Yes. If Story County's Water and Land Legacy $25 million bond is approved, it would cost the average homeowner in Story County $2.60 a month, or $32.00 a year. Story County Conservation will utilize contributions from private donors, grant funding, and community partnerships to enhance the county's investment, maximizing the impact and reach of every dollar spent.

• How do I know the conservation bond funds will be spent wisely?

The referendum requires funds to be used only for the purpose written in the referendum and not for any other purpose. All expenditures will be audited as well as disclosed to the public to ensure public benefits are maximized.

• How can I share my thoughts on the conservation projects?

Story County Conservation improvements are guided by a board approved strategic plan that includes an ongoing community input process.

The public is always invited to attend the regular Story County Conservation Board meetings and provide input during public comment periods.

• What is the Story County Water and Land Legacy Bond Committee?

The SCW&LLB Committee is a diverse coalition of conservationists, recreational enthusiasts, parents, hunters, bikers, and economic development leaders. This committee spans urban and rural areas across the county. All members share a commitment to protecting our land and enhancing our habitat, with the belief that these efforts will strengthen our economy, benefit our communities, and improve our quality of life.

• Who is a part of the committee?

*Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board (IECDB) has reviewed and found the material to be compliant with state law.

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