During a recent government meeting, heated discussions emerged regarding the eligibility of several parcels in downtown Omaha for special agricultural valuation under the Greenbelt Act. The Douglas County Assessor's office, represented by Mike Goodwillie, presented a case against the approval of special valuation for seven parcels, arguing that they did not meet the necessary agricultural activity requirements as of January 1, the cutoff date for eligibility.

Goodwillie emphasized that the properties in question, located in urban areas, showed no signs of agricultural use at the time of assessment. He noted that the applications for special valuation claimed the parcels would be farmed, but upon inspection, there was no agricultural activity observed. The Assessor's office had to rely on sales data from surrounding counties to determine appropriate agricultural values, highlighting the significant disparity between agricultural land and urban property values.

The discussion intensified as representatives from the property owners, including Chase Miller, a local farmer, argued that while farming activities had not commenced by the January deadline, they had plans in place to cultivate the land for hay production. Miller explained that the planting season for winter wheat would begin in late summer, and they intended to manage existing grasses for hay.

Commissioners expressed skepticism about the feasibility of farming in the heart of downtown Omaha, with some questioning the legality of such agricultural activities given the urban zoning regulations. Commissioner Kavanaugh pointed out the historical context of the Greenbelt Act, which previously disqualified properties within city limits from agricultural valuation. The recent legislative changes allowing such applications raised concerns about potential misuse of the law by developers seeking tax breaks.

The board ultimately voted to deny the protests against the Assessor's decision, with a unanimous motion reflecting the consensus that the properties did not qualify for special valuation based on the evidence presented. The meeting underscored the complexities of balancing agricultural interests with urban development and zoning laws, leaving open questions about the future of agricultural practices in urban settings.