Cache County Council Workshop Meeting – 06-09-2026

- COSAC gave an update on the open space bond program, noting that since applications began in 2024, 20 potential projects have come forward representing more than 2,000 acres, with 12 formal applications and nine round-one approvals so far. Two projects have reached round-two approval, totaling about $1.8 million in county funding for 344 acres, while county-led fee-title purchases have totaled about $5.9 million for just over 1,000 acres. - Staff demonstrated a new GIS “story map” tool that visualizes the full application process, project locations, funding sources, resolutions, and existing conservation easements. The map shows more than 17,000 acres of preexisting conservation easements in the county, helping identify opportunities to build on existing protected lands. - The main policy question raised was what role the county wants to play in open space projects: funding partner only, facilitator of due diligence and project development, or holder of conservation easements. COSAC noted that moving beyond funding-only would require more county involvement and long-term stewardship commitments. - Council and COSAC discussed whether the program should support small-parcel projects, especially those inside municipalities or in developed areas. Several members said these parcels may have high value for vistas, trail connectivity, parks, or legacy preservation, but they may need larger county participation and/or city involvement because they are less likely to attract outside funding. - The council indicated that municipal engagement should be part of the evaluation for small in-city projects, with cities potentially contributing money, utilities, improvements, or other support. Members suggested reaching out to municipalities first to see whether they want to partner before the county commits to those projects. - The group spent significant time on the new greenbelt rollback tax revenue, which Jeremy Christiansen explained must be set aside for land conservation and can be used with broad county discretion. He said counties should spend it locally within 10 years or the funds can be redirected to the state’s Leeray and Callister fund, which currently has limited statewide matching dollars. - Jeremy encouraged Cache County to integrate rollback-tax spending into the existing COSAC framework rather than create a separate process, and said the county could use the money for agricultural protection, conservation easements, or other land-conservation approaches. Council members discussed whether the county should prioritize farmland protection, trails, vistas, or a mix of project types. - Several members emphasized that the county should be strategic and “judicious” with its open space dollars, favoring projects that maximize leverage with outside funds and preserve important landscapes. They noted that some large projects and trail corridors have strong countywide value, while some smaller parcels may still be worth pursuing on a case-by-case basis. - COSAC asked for guidance on future project selection, especially for unique cases that do not fit the current template. The council’s informal direction was to continue vetting projects, involve municipalities when parcels are inside city boundaries, and return with more detailed proposals and a clearer framework for using rollback-tax funds.