Cache County Council Workshop Meeting – 06-09-2026

The Cache County Council held a workshop meeting on June 9, 2026, focusing primarily on the county's open space program and related funding mechanisms. The discussion centered on the progress of the Open Space Advisory Committee (COSAC) in managing projects funded by a $20 million open space bond approved by voters in 2022. The committee reviewed 20 potential projects, with 12 applications approved and two projects receiving round two funding totaling $1.8 million for 344 acres. The council explored the county's role in funding, facilitating, and potentially holding easements for open space projects, emphasizing leveraging additional federal, state, and private funding sources to maximize impact. They also discussed the integration of new green belt rollback tax revenues, mandated by recent state legislation, as a local funding source for land conservation, particularly farmland preservation. Challenges highlighted included the high value and limited availability of small parcels within municipalities, the need for partnerships with local governments and nonprofits, and the complexities of federal funding availability. The meeting underscored the importance of strategic use of county funds to protect open space, trails, and agricultural lands while considering long-term stewardship responsibilities and community benefits.