Open space bond fails

Kootenai County voters rejected a $50 million bond meant to preserve open space on the Rathdrum Prairie and other parts of the country.

In order to pass, the “Open Space and Park Development Bond” needed two-thirds voter approval. The bond received 47% of the vote as of midnight, with all precincts reporting, falling short of the mark.

If the bond was approved, funds would’ve been used to acquire open space properties in Kootenai County and pay for recreational amenities. Properties purchased with bond funds would be available for public use and would not be sold or converted for other purposes.

Based on current conditions, taxpayers would pay $8 per $100,000 of taxable assessed value, according to the county, with individual taxpayer costs expected to decline over the next 20 years given continued growth in Kootenai County’s tax base and economy.