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By DAPHNE HUTCHINSON
Rappahannock Nno Staff VI ritcr
Supporters of land use taxation at Monday’s meeting of the board of supervisors maintained that preferential tax treatment for farmers will mean the difference between the survival of Rappahannock County as an agriculturally oriented community and its transformation into a suburb of Warrenton and Fairfax.
On the other side of the question, opponents predicted that adoption of land use may send tax bills for house and lot owners and small farmers skyrocketing from $200 to $2,000.
Monday’s discussion came as the result of a recommendation from the county planning commission that use value taxation be adopted for agricultural, forestal, horticultural and open Space land.
As explained by commonwealth attorney Douglas Baumgardner, use value taxation involves the “preferential assessment of real estate.” With adoption of a use value ordinance, qualifying property will be assessed on its worth for agricultural production rather than on fair market value. according to Baumgardner.
The State Land Evaluation Advisory Committee determines a range of suggested use values for each soil type derived from average farm income. The values are suggested only. Responsibility for determining the actual use values that are applicable in any county, city or town rests with the local assessing officer.
Taxes Deferred
For land that qualifies, the difference between use value assessment and fair market value is deferred. This deferred tax becomes due if all or part of a tract of land in a qualifying use is changed
91.7%