During a recent government meeting, officials discussed a proposed change to the fee structure for land use program participants, aiming to simplify the administrative process and potentially save property owners money. The current system calculates fees based on the size of the property, specifically charging 20 cents per acre for parcels over 100 acres. This can lead to complex calculations, especially for owners with multiple contiguous parcels.

The proposal suggests implementing a flat fee of $20 per parcel, regardless of size, which would streamline the administration of the program. For example, a property owner with three parcels totaling 314 acres would currently pay approximately $62.80 under the existing calculation method. Under the new flat fee structure, the same owner would pay $60, resulting in a slight savings.

Officials noted that while some property owners may see a decrease in fees, others with larger contiguous parcels could end up paying more than they currently do. The flat fee would apply every six years, coinciding with the revalidation process that requires property owners to confirm their land use status annually without incurring additional fees.

Concerns were raised about ensuring that the new fee structure does not inadvertently increase costs for taxpayers. Officials emphasized that the proposed changes aim to reduce administrative burdens and improve efficiency, with the understanding that the overall impact on revenue would be minimal.

The meeting highlighted the need for a balance between simplifying processes and maintaining fair fee structures for all participants in the land use program. The proposal is set to be reviewed further, with officials committed to considering the financial implications for property owners before any final decisions are made.