Not now, all seven council members told representatives of The Trust for Public Lands (TTPL) and the Cache County Critical Lands Task Force, a grassroots group dedicated to preserving public lands.

"In order for them to create funding, there's got to be a popular vote on a tax increase," said Nissa Maddox, TTPL director of SW Conservation Finance, who would like to see the issue on the ballot in a special election this year. "In their minds, it makes more sense to do it during a high-turnout election. We hope that they'll consider both options [2007 and 2008] given the enormous need for conservation up here."

The Cache County Council has consistently resisted pressure to make the critical lands issue a special election ballot item, but council members unanimously passed a formal motion to "consider" putting the measure on the ballot in 2008.

Logan resident Dave Rayfield, chairman of the Cache County Critical Lands Task Force, said waiting until 2008 to put the question to the public will have untold costs.

"The price of land is going up. The availability of land is going to disappear," Rayfield said. "Some of the owners of land may pass away and you may be dealing with their family members. You should weigh the financial situation and the loss that you would incur if you wait."

Cache County Councilwoman Kathy Robison said inflation has always been a factor in the cost of purchasing land.

"That happens all the time," she said. "If we're going to make a tax increase of this magnitude, we have to have the voice of the people to do it," Robison said.

The council encouraged land conservationists to survey the public to determine interest and support.

"If the information came up that there was an overwhelming desire to do it, we could certainly change our minds," said Councilman H. Craig Petersen.

abrunson@sltrib.com