Island County Commissioner Helen Price Johnson is seeking feedback from the public about the Conservation Futures Fund.

The pot of money is garnered from property taxes and is used to purchase or protect a variety of different types of land in Island County every year. It’s an optional tax authorized by the state.

Price Johnson’s request for feedback is in response to Commissioner Kelly Emerson’s recent failed bid to get public input on the futures fund through the use of an advisory vote on the primary election balot this August.

Price Johnson would not support the motion, citing the cost of putting something on the ballot when there is already a public input process and the extra burden of work such a measure would put on the Island County Auditor’s Office.

Since she first asked for input last week, the commissioner said that she’s seen “overwhelming support” for the futures fund. She estimated that she’s received about 30 communications from people who value the program.

To weigh in, email the commissioner at district1@co.island.wa.us. or call 679-7357.