4c) Noticed Public Hearing - Discussion and Possible Action Including Approval to Establish Shorter Williamson Act Contracts, Effective in Calendar Year 2024, Pursuant to State Statute, Making the Requisite Finding Pursuant to Government Code 16142.1(d); and Direction to Staff to Notify All Affected Landowners of the Final Decision and the Right to Prevent the Reduction in Term by Serving Notice of Non-Renewal
(Sponsors: Assessor/Clerk-Recorder and Agriculture)
As you reduce landowners' tax benefits, please keep in mind the intent specified in the first paragraph of the Williamson Act itself: that . . ."wildlife habitat [also] has a value to the state because of its scenic beauty and its location adjacent to or within the view of a state scenic highway or because it is of great importance as habitat for wildlife and contributions to the preservation or enhancement thereof." Not all "uses" of open land will have monetary value, at least not ostensibly, but they will have a great impact on the environment and the future of the rural nature of this county.
As you reduce landowners' tax benefits, please keep in mind the intent specified in the first paragraph of the Williamson Act itself: that . . ."wildlife habitat [also] has a value to the state because of its scenic beauty and its location adjacent to or within the view of a state scenic highway or because it is of great importance as habitat for wildlife and contributions to the preservation or enhancement thereof." Not all "uses" of open land will have monetary value, at least not ostensibly, but they will have a great impact on the environment and the future of the rural nature of this county.
Why make this change? The people under the Williamson Act under California law are counting on property tax relief.