By a 6-0 count, the County Council endorsed a $48 million November bond question that could lead to a host of new parks along with trails for hiking and biking - if voters sign off.

Charge for the extra green: $9 a year on a $200,000 home.

Pat Jones, who helped present the survey results from Dan Jones & Associates, broke down the cost even more - to roughly 75 cents a month.

During the past few years, Jones said, polls reveal Utahns' psyche has changed regarding open-space protection.

"We always vote our pocketbook, but I think people are willing to invest in their communities now," Jones told the council. "There's a big backlash by the public right now against developers. They feel overwhelmed."

Despite snickers from Councilman Marv Hendrickson, who is a developer, the council enthusiastically agreed.

In fact, the group initially agreed to place the item first among propositions on the ballot, then slipped it to second behind a planned bond for new recreation projects, funded by the voter-renewed Zoo, Arts and Parks tax.

That means an $895 million bond for four new TRAX lines will appear third on the new voting machines - a spot not lost on Councilwoman Jenny Wilson.

"If anything's in jeopardy here," she said, "it's probably the TRAX bond."

But Jon Bronson, the county's financial adviser, didn't share the concern.

"The issue of ballot fatigue is real, but it may be overstated," he said. "People make discriminating choices."

The open-space survey, conducted with registered county voters between July 11 and 15, showed solid support for regional and community parks along with trails. But when coupled with the TRAX question, support for the open-space bond dipped from 70 percent to 59 percent.

"I'm glad it's second on the ballot. I'm glad we're going for the $48 [million]," Councilman Joe Hatch said. "But I'm still nervous about ballot fatigue."

Council members considered slicing the bond total but reconsidered. They also wrangled over how specific to make the language.

Councilman Mark Crockett advocated a broad scope and argued for simply purchasing the land - rather than developing it for parks and trails - to duck inflation costs.

Others insisted voters need something tangible and instructed county attorneys to take their crack before the language is finalized.

What's important, said sponsor Cort Ashton, is locking up land for the future.

"We all look at the fields we used to run and play in or ride our motorcycles or whatever," he said. "And, now, there are houses and office buildings."

djensen@sltrib.com

On the ballot now

A $48 million bond for open space intended for regional parks, community parks and a network of new trails. Cost: $9 a year on a $200,000 home.

An $895 million bond to extend TRAX lines to Draper, West Valley City, West Jordan-South Jordan and Salt Lake City International Airport by 2013. Cost: $108 a year on a $200,000 home.

Expected to join ballot

A $63.5 million bond for new recreation projects authorized by the 2004 voter-renewed Zoo, Arts and Parks sales tax.

May lose ballot spot

A $34 million bond for the Living Planet Aquarium. Cost: $5 a year on a $200,000 home.