It asks voters to authorize Washington County to issue up to $40 million in general obligation bonds to acquire and improve land under the Washington County Land and Water Legacy Program, renewing the program voters approved in 2006.

The funding from the 2006 bond has been fully allocated. Without a new vote, the county has no dedicated funding left to protect more land and water.

Yes. The ballot says so plainly. For a homestead at the median estimated market value of $420,900, it would cost approximately $24.60 per year for twenty years.

That is a fair concern, and the ballot answers it with a specific, stated amount: approximately $24.60 per year for twenty years on a home at the county median value. The money can be used only for protecting drinking water sources, water quality, wildlife habitat and natural areas, not for general spending, and every dollar is publicly reported and audited. Question 1 also renews a program voters approved in 2006 rather than starting something new.

The ballot language itself requires three safeguards. There will be full public disclosure of all project spending. Funds can only be used for the purposes stated in the referendum and cannot be used for any other purpose whatsoever. And there will be an annual public audit of all project spending. Anyone can check.

You do not have to take anyone’s word for it. The question is written so the public can verify every step: disclosure of all project spending, funds limited to the stated purposes, and a public audit every year. And there is a track record to look at. Over the last 20 years, the Land and Water Legacy Program has conserved over 2,000 acres across 53 projects. Learn more on the county’s program page.

To improve the water quality of rivers, lakes and streams, including the St. Croix and Mississippi rivers; protect drinking water sources; preserve wetlands and woodlands; protect land along water bodies from development; preserve natural areas; purchase parklands; and protect wildlife habitat.

It is County Question 1, in the right-hand column on the front of the ballot. Remember to check both sides of your ballot.

“To continue to improve the water quality of rivers, lakes, and streams, including the St. Croix and Mississippi Rivers, protect drinking water sources, preserve wetlands and woodlands, protect land along water bodies from development and preserve natural areas, purchase parklands, and protect wildlife habitat, shall Washington County be authorized to issue general obligation bonds in an aggregate amount not to exceed $40,000,000 to acquire and improve land under the Washington County Land and Water Legacy Program with the use of funds limited to these purposes only, full public disclosure of all project spending, and subject to an annual public audit?”