We worked with assessors in each of the 14 municipalities to estimate the effect of use value assessment on property taxes within their municipalities. If those communities had assessed agricultural land that is zoned for another purpose at market value in 2009, the owners of the land would have owed a total of $4.7 million in additional property taxes, and the tax liability of other property owners in those municipalities would have been reduced by the same amount. On an individual basis, taxes on agricultural land that is zoned for another purpose would have increased by an average of $3,516, while taxes on all other parcels would have decreased, on average, by $38.
Recently, the Legislature enacted the Working Lands Initiative to promote local farmland planning and provide income tax credits to eligible landowners. Should the Legislature wish to modify farmland preservation strategies through changes to use value assessment, we have identified programs in other states that may serve as models.
We appreciate the courtesy and cooperation extended to us by local assessors in our sample of 14 municipalities and by staff from the departments of Revenue; Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection; and Financial Institutions.
Sincerely,
janice mueller
State Auditor
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Relating to grants for dam maintenance, repair, modification, or abandonment and removal.
Submitted by Department of Natural Resources.
Report received from Agency, July 9, 2010.
Referred to committee on Transportation, Tourism, Forestry, and Natural Resources, July 14, 2010
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The committee on Environment reports and recommends:
Relating to safe drinking water design requirements for community water systems, and requirements for the operation and maintenance of public water supply systems.
No action taken.
Relating to the definition of volatile organic compounds.
No action taken.
Mark Miller
Chairperson
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The committee on Ethics Reform and Government Operations reports and recommends:
Relating to construction bidding and contracting.
No action taken.
Fred Risser
Chairperson
