Farmland development rights could see ballotJune 17th, 2005 - 3:32pm (Port Angeles) -- Clallam County commissioners may be asked to put another measure on the ballot to buy development rights on farmlands. This measure could add up to one percent on everyone who buys real estate in Clallam County. The money would go into a fund that would be used to prevent agricultural land from development. Clallam County commission chair Mike Chapman says the idea has sprung from an agricultural industry group working with the Clallam County economic development council. The EDC voted yesterday to endorse putting the measure on the ballot. Voters have rejected other tax efforts in the past to buy development rights. Supporters of the new tax say it's needed to stop losing farmland in the region. But others argue it could add to a crunch for affordable housing by adding too much to the price of buying a house. The measure may be on the ballot in November. |