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Ballot question

City of Burlington Public Question 1: open space, recreation and historic preservation trust fund tax

On the ballot in
City of Burlington
Vote
Yes or no
Election
Nov 3, 2026

The question, as printed on the ballot

Shall the City of Burlington establish a “Municipal Open Space, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Trust Fund” which shall have the following provisions: A. The “Municipal Open Space, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Trust Fund” shall be funded through the collection of a local property tax in an amount of up to $.02 per One Hundred Dollars ($100) of assessed value. B. Such funds shall be designated solely for (1) the acquisition, development, and maintenance of land for recreation and conservation purposes, (2) the acquisition and preservation of historic properties, structures, sites, areas or objects, or (3) payment of debt service on indebtedness issued or incurred by the municipality for any of the foregoing purposes. C. Funds raised through the annual property tax levy will be subdivided by the City Common Council at a later date after a public hearing. D. Any property acquired by or through the “Municipal Open Space, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Trust Fund” shall not be sold or conveyed by the City until and unless authorized by a binding Public Referendum. E. The Trust Fund tax shall be for a term not to exceed ten (10) years and may only be extended upon approval by a ballot question.

A “Yes” vote means

Favors a city trust fund for open space, recreation and historic preservation, paid by a property tax of up to $.02 per $100 of assessed value for up to ten years.

A “No” vote means

Opposes establishing the trust fund and its dedicated property tax.

Official plain English statement

This proposition will give the elected officials of the City of Burlington the sentiment of the voters concerning the establishment of a “Municipal Open Space, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Trust Fund.” This Fund would be in addition to bonding and other available sources of public funds, and would be used solely for the purpose of acquiring and maintaining lands within the City for open space, recreation and conservation, and for historic preservation. Having the funds would enable the City to qualify for grants, matching funds, and other sources of funds available through the State and other entities. The Fund will be raised through a dedicated tax on real property. The City Common Council will determine the rate of the special tax each year but the amount will not exceed $.02 per $100 of assessed value of the property. For example, at the maximum rate of $.02 per $100 of assessed value, the owner of property assessed at $150,000.00 would contribute $30.00 to the Open Space Trust Fund in a year. Any property or asset acquired by the Open Space Trust Fund could not be sold or disposed of unless authorized by Public Referendum.

The interpretive statement describes the question as giving officials the sentiment of the voters.

Sources

The question and plain English statement are copied word for word from official election materials. The Gist does not take a side on ballot questions.