Local and county officials in California have some concerns that the recent cut to the Williamson Act could have negative effects on local counties where farming is prevalent.California is facing a well-known budget crisis. This crisis led Governor Schwarzenegger to cut the $28 million funding for the act among along with other budget cuts. As Loretta Kalb reports for the Sacramento Bee, there was not much reaction to this cut outside of rural areas in the state.
The Williamson Act was established in 1965. The act allows counties to contract with landowners to preserve agricultural land and open space in exchange for reduced property taxes. Kalb reports that, historically, the state would reimburse the counties for the lost property tax revenue. Now, rural, farm counties in California are looking for ways in which they can sustain the program for this year.
Supporters of the act argue that the cut, should it continue in future years, would end contracts between farmers and counties. The end of the contracts would, in turn, cause property taxes to rise for the landowners. This could drive smaller growers from the land, which would make the farm land and open spaces vulnerable to commercial development.
While most counties say they don’t want to cancel the contracts, budget concerns may force their hand. To see a previous US Agriculture and Food Law and Policy Blog post on the Williamson Act cut click here. To read the Sacramento Bee article click here.
Posted: 08/10/09
