Under
current use, a property is taxed on its value as a farm or forest land,
rather
than its higher, development value. The
bill adds a one time fee to the program, and it increases penalties if
land is
withdrawn for development.
The
changes in the Current Use program are intended to put it on a solid
financial
footing. But
the bill faces a possible veto from Governor Jim Douglas. He says it
will
result in major tax increases for landowners who withdraw their
property.
The
Senate has approved legislation that supporters say will help put the
state’s
Current Use program on solid financial ground. But the bill includes a proposed change that has set off a heated debate.
VPR’s Steve Zind talks about the proposed changes and the role of Current Use in Vermont’s economy with Rep. Allison Clarkson and Agency of Natural Resources Secretary Jonathan Wood.
The
House has given preliminary approval to a bill that’s viewed as the first effort
to reduce spending in the 2011 fiscal year. The
legislation places a one year moratorium on new applications under the state’s
current use law.