In Whitman County, agriculture (most are engaged in Ag.) is taxed for land in
production in the "Open Spaces Act", pay 22% of the "True and Fair Market
Value", (not on residences, where house & 1 acre are T & F Market). Anyone
not engaged in agriculture pay based on 90% to 100% or "True & Fair Markey
value". So there is not much tax collected with the Open Spaces Act,
compared to before. That's why Pullman (non-ag) has high valuations and tax
liabilities. Idaho has an equivalent break for Ag. but the rate is about 50%
opposed to our 22% of True & Fair Market value.
The Open Spaces Act was instituted in 1975 or so to preserve green belts and
open areas. Not a bad idea, but over here it is perceived as a "right" and
preserving wet lands or habitat is not a factor - only making as much farm
land productive is the rule.
Vic (my husband) believes that in light of Initiative- 164 , and the
"property Rights" folks, they have been paid all these years, through reduced
property taxes, but now are crying "over-regulation"! They enter a contract,
(under Open Spaces) so it aggravates us no end with their demands.
As far as zoning in Whitman County, previous commissioners were happy to zone
heavy industrial (in the corridor). Presently, Whitman Co. government,
reflected by our planner, agriculture is our most important resource, which
means that anyone engaged in agriculture is who they listen to, who they zone
for, who they have represent the rest of us on boards and commissions, on and
on...
Enough?
Bobbie Moore Bobbieeco@aol.com