Corrected Oct. 2 at 6:30 p.m.
San Juan County Proposition #1
From the Online Voters Guide (CLICK):
Petition has been submitted regarding the time period for the conservation area real estate excise tax. This measure would extend real estate excise tax paid by the purchaser, in the amount of one percent of the purchase price, for an additional 12 years, through December 5, 2026, to be used by the Land Bank for the acquisition and maintenance of conservation areas.
Should this measure be enacted into law?
Explanatory Statement: The Conservation Area Real Estate Excise Tax is commonly referred to as the “Land Bank Tax.” It is a charge to be paid by the purchaser of real estate in an amount equal to one percent of the selling price.
The charge was first approved by the voters in 1990 for a period of 12 years. The voters have previously approved an extension of the charge for another 12 years and the charge will expire December 6, 2014, unless it is renewed by the voters.
Statement for:
We, in the San Juans, benefit from beautiful views, open farmland, natural landscapes, habitat for wildlife and access to cherished places. The Land Bank protects these and provides public access to remarkable places such as Deadman Bay on San Juan Island, Crescent Beach and Turtleback Mountain on Orcas, and Lopez Hill and Watmough Bight on Lopez Island.
Funded by a 1% tax paid by the buyer when real estate is purchased in the county, the Land Bank is sensibly designed so growth helps pay for conservation. Finances are responsibly managed with low overhead and hundreds of volunteer workers. The Land Bank brings additional outside funding into our county for our benefit: $23 million over the last five years. Our local economy benefits from preservation of our unique environment.
We need the Land Bank to be here when opportunities arise to provide public access, save scenic views, secure farmland for food production, develop trails for our health and well-being, and to continue to preserve the character of the San Juans.
Our Land Bank is a gift we give to ourselves, to the islands and to future generations.
It’s a success. Vote Yes.
Statement Prepared By:
Renew Our Land Bank Committee co-chairs:
Pamela Gross
Sally Reeve
Dave Zoeller
For more information: www.RenewOurLandBank.org
Statement Against:
The Land Bank (LB) gained approval in 1990. Their basic mission statement/selling point was preserving open space. Their mission has digressed. Rather than focusing on their core mission of preserving open space, the LB has become entangled in “urban” projects. They’re now engaged in property development that competes with the struggling private sector in land sales. They’re using excise tax resources for infrastructure improvements, public use facilities and conservation land to subsidize commercial agriculture.
Over 50% of San Juan County has exempt or reduced property taxes. The LB has exempted 3,580 acres. As they remove more from the tax base something has to give. Either rates on the remaining base have to increase or income for government services is reduced. We’re already experiencing layoffs and cuts to school programs.
Existing LB authorization expires in 2014. They are asking for a 12 year extension although 2 years of the current authorization remain. Daily we read about trouble with the economy. Rather than a premature extension of the tax, it’s time for a much needed public discussion about the length of the funding window, the management of LB holdings, and the focus of its mission. Vote no and start the dialog.
Statement Prepared By:
Committee Opposing Land Bank Initiative:
Ron Whalen, San Juan Island
Cherie Sarrett, San Juan Island
Contact information: noto12more@rockisland.com
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