09/29/2010: "Council Will Hold 2nd Touch On Property Tax Breaks"

At the Tuesday County Council meeting the proposed changes to the Forest/Ag rating system meeting that has the potential to allow large numbers of property owners to suddenly qualify for property tax breaks was discussed, and decided more information was needed.

The tax breaks have the potential of giving 30% to -possibly as much as- 100% reductions. The reductions would shifted to property owners not in the program.

Both sides had a go at stating reasons for and against the proposal during the public access time slot on the council agenda, prior to the Council discussing the matter.

The Council asked questions of Karen Vedder of the SJC Prosecutor’s office on the possible impacts of the draft ordinance section that would change the rating system, and seemed surprised by some of her comments and responses.

After some general discussion it was decided the Council would take the matter up again, and would receive a memo from Vedder addressing some of the questions raised. The County Assessor will also be asked to attend the next meeting.