The open space bond is intended to have a significant impact on the preservation and protection of the area’s natural beauty, provide new recreational opportunities, prevent future increases in traffic and congestion, protect the Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer, prevent future overloading of area sewer treatment systems and ensure future generations can enjoy the community’s natural spaces.

Acquiring open space may prevent future increases in traffic and congestion in areas that may otherwise be used for high-density development. 

No. Bond funds shall only be used to acquire open space properties within Kootenai County and pay for recreational amenities. Properties purchased or developed using bond funds shall not be sold or converted for other uses.

Opportunities created by open space preservation include:

• • Preventing future increases in traffic and congestion in areas that may otherwise be used for high-density development.
  • Preserving natural open spaces with an emphasis on the Rathdrum Prairie, complemented by developing spaces for recreational and community gathering spaces.
  • Provide new recreational trail systems, open space play areas, dog parks, areas for farmers markets and other recreational opportunities imagined by Kootenai County residents.
  • Connect existing recreational trail systems by acquiring parcels that will aid in linking existing systems including the Centennial Trail, Prairie Trail, Highway 41 and Highway 95 trails.
  • Protect local drinking water by acquiring and preserving open spaces over the Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer, which might otherwise be used for high-density development.
  • Preventing future overloading of area sewer treatment plants, potentially reducing taxpayer costs for future expansions of those treatment systems.

Bond funds shall only be used to acquire open space properties within Kootenai County and pay for recreational amenities. Bond funds shall not be used to purchase other properties not related to open space or recreation, fund public works projects not related to open space or recreation, pay salaries, fund equipment, or pay for other items that do not directly benefit or enhance open space or recreation within Kootenai County. Properties purchased or developed using bond funds shall not be sold or converted for other uses.

Idaho law gives county governments the option to issue bonds when the interests of the county require it and the Board of County Commissioners deem it for the public good, for purchasing public open-space land and/or easements for scenic and recreational purposes. Two-thirds of qualified voters in the election must approve for the measure to pass.

Using bond funds gives the county an option to purchase open space while property is still available and before property prices increase. If the county waits to purchase property, it may no longer be available or as affordable.

It depends on the taxable assessed value of your home. The estimated average annual cost to the taxpayer on the proposed bond is a tax of $8 per $100,000 of taxable assessed value based on current conditions. The individual cost per $100,000 of taxable assessed value is expected to decrease over the next 20 years with continued growth in Kootenai County’s economy and tax base.

The term of the bonds will not exceed twenty (20) years from the date of issuance.

The county is required by law to include the cost of the bond in the ballot language that will appear before voters. The interest rate anticipated on the proposed bond issue, based upon current market rates, is three and seventy hundredths percent (3.70%) per annum.   The amount to be repaid over the life of the bonds, based on the anticipated interest rate, is $71,980,000, consisting of $50,000,000 in principal and $21,980,000 of interest. The term of the bonds will not exceed twenty (20) years from the date of issuance.

The estimated average annual cost to the taxpayer on the proposed bond is a tax of $8 per $100,000 of taxable assessed value based on current conditions.

As of November 7, 2023, the total existing indebtedness of the County, including interest accrued, is $0.00.

When people discuss interest rates, often they are talking about commercial loans and mortgage rates, which are both taxable interest rate levels. The Open Space & Park Development Bond that is being proposed to voters is a tax-exempt municipal bond. The 3.70 percent interest rate quoted in the ballot language was current when the bond language was adopted. Idaho election statutes require the use of this language. Interest rates on this type of bond have increased approximately ½ percent since the ballot language was adopted, but that will not materially change the estimated average annual cost to taxpayers of $8 per $100,000 of taxable assessed value. The individual cost per $100,000 of taxable assessed value is expected to decrease over the next 20 years with continued growth in Kootenai County’s economy and tax base.

County staff presented multiple options to the Board of County Commissioners who voted to authorize a $50 million bond amount.

If approved, the bond measure would authorize Commissioners to spend up to $50 million on open space and park development within a 20-year time frame. Current and future Commissioners could choose to spend less than the $50 million authorized by voters.

Bonds will be sold as needed. The Open Space and Park Development Citizens Advisory Board will make recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners on the acquisition of properties, recreational development of those properties and timing of both. Utilizing information and input from the Advisory Board and County staff, Commissioners will have the final authority to approve all expenditures. Advisory Board meetings and Commissioner meetings are open to the public.

No. Tax exempt bonds may not be issued for operation expenses. It would be the responsibility of the county commissioners to set aside funds for management and administration of open space through their regular budgeting process.

Examples of recreational amenities that could be purchased/funded with bond funds include, but are not limited to, recreational trails, drinking fountains, children’s playground equipment, fencing, picnic tables, benches and restrooms. Bond funds cannot be used to fund public works projects not related to open space or recreation, pay salaries, fund equipment or pay for other items that do not directly benefit or enhance open space or recreation within Kootenai County.

Commissioners shall appoint an Open Space and Park Development Citizens Advisory Board to work with County staff to assist in identifying open space and park development opportunities. The advisory board will make recommendations to Commissioners on the acquisition of property and recreational development thereof. All meetings will be open to the public and the Commissioners will have final authority to approve all expenditures. Kootenai County will utilize bond funds to leverage for grants to maximize funding.

Under the direction of the Commissioners, the Kootenai County Parks and Waterways director will work with the Open Space and Park Development Citizens Advisory Board to provide recommendations to the Commissioners related to the acquisition of property and expenditures necessary to provide public recreation amenities.

The Board of County Commissioners has not identified specific properties that would be purchased with bond funds, but stated that an emphasis would be placed on preserving open spaces on the Rathdrum Prairie. Other properties may be considered if the purchase directly benefits open space or recreation within Kootenai County. If the bond is approved, Commissioners will appoint an Open Space and Park Development Citizens Advisory Board to work with county staff to identify opportunities for open space preservation and park development. The advisory board would then make recommendations to Commissioners who have final authority to approve purchases. All meetings will be open to the public.

Yes. All properties purchased with bond funds shall be available for public use.

Yes. Kootenai County could utilize bond funds to seek grants to maximize funding.