Clallam: Commissioners get an earful over proposed tax break for farmland

About 60 people packed the Clallam County commissioners' meeting room Tuesday to voice their opinions about the proposed county Open Space Code.

The proposal would give up to a 60 percent property tax break to landowners of more than 3.2 acres who agree to keep their property undeveloped, and pay a $300 application fee.

Parcels with a home or structure must have a minimum of 4.2 acres to qualify for the tax break.

If the plan is approved, landowners with less than 3.2 acres could have to make up the tax difference, or the county would have to cut its budget.

Backers of the proposal want to maintain agriculture as a viable industry in the county.

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