07/20/2005: "Two Volunteer Groups Want County Funding"

The San Juan Conservation District has asked the BOCC to hold a public hearing for input on their request for an excise tax of $5.00 per tax parcel. The money is to be used to help finance the providing of free service to county residents.

Currently the group gives advice and help on Farm and Forest Conservation Management Planning, Residential Low-Impact Development Education / Guidance, Stormwater Management Guidance (based on SJ County development requirements), and Natural Resource Education Workshops / Clinics. Because the demand is great, and grant money and matching funds are hard to come by, the group would like to receive a steady and constant income stream for their activities. The public hearing will give the public an opportunity to voice their support or opposition to the new tax.

The Navigating Our Future, Housing Project, is another group that has an eye on a new tax, but this one is interested in taxing only those who purchase a home. According to a newsletter sent to The Guardian, the group has determined that their goal of providing perpetual affordability in the open market, that is, with only private money, is simply not possible, and that "The only solution that we have found that works for moderate income families is the Land Trust approach. This approach, … acquires the land, retains ownership of that land, and charges a very low lease fee to the homeowner (typically $1 for a very long term lease). By removing the cost of the land, we can reduce the cost of the house to a level well within the affordability range for moderate income".

The proposal is to tax the purchaser of a new home because it is " the new purchasers that are creating the inflated housing prices in the first place, namely by steadily increasing demand for property.". The money thus collected will be administered by a new commission that will have the power to collect, spend, and issue tax exempt bonds. The bonds will also be used to raise additional money. The moneys collected will be used to hire an Executive Director, and " to acquire useable land and to provide incentives to non-profit organizations and private builders to create affordable housing for moderate income families.

It is hoped the proposal will be placed on the ballot this fall for a county-wide vote.