Board of Supervisors Approve Land Use Ordinance
The Appomattox Board of Supervisors finally approved the Land Use Ordinance to help local farmers continue to hold onto their farms in the face of rising taxes and land prices. Farms that qualify for the Land Use tax rate will pay substantially less in property taxes on the land they farm. However, the residence will still be taxed at the standard rate.
The vote was 4-1 with only Supervisor Sammy Carter opposing it. Carter represents the Town of Appomattox which does not contain much farm land.
In order to qualify for tax relief under the Land Use Ordinance, farmers must make an application to the Commissioner of Revenue, pay an application fee, and provide proof that they have produced at least $1000 from their farm for the past five years. If their application is approved, their farm land will then be taxed at a rate below fair market value.
Supporters of the Land Use Ordinance hope that this will enable farmers to retain their land and lifestyle and not be forced to sell to developers. Many residents feel that the rural charm of Appomattox County can only be preserved by allowing farmers to continue to farm.
Tax relief will begin for Land Use approved farms in 2009.
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