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Subcommittee reviews farm building tax‑exemption after state expands cap; staff to draft ordinance language
Summary
Subcommittee discussed raising Torrington’s farm building assessed‑value exemption following a state change that raised the statutory maximum from $50,000 to $500,000. Assessing staff and corporate counsel will draft ordinance amendments for the committee to review; council action will be required to adopt any change.
The ordinance subcommittee discussed proposed changes to the city’s farm building exemption after a change in state law increased the allowable municipal maximum from $50,000 to $500,000. City assessor Stacy Maldonado explained the current local ordinance allows an assessed‑value exemption of “not more than $50,000” per farm building and that farms apply annually for the exemption, supplying documentation (Schedule F, profit threshold and exclusive farming use) as required.
Corporate counsel and committee members explored options: amend the city ordinance to set a new fixed exemption (for example the statutory maximum) or amend language to permit the legislative body (city council) to set or reaffirm an exemption amount annually. Counsel noted the statute establishes a ceiling (not a mandatory floor), so municipalities may adopt a lower cap if desired. Committee members and the assessor emphasized the policy aim — preserving farmland and giving farmers a tool to avoid selling land for non‑farm development such as large solar installations.
Committee members debated review frequency. The assessor said farms currently apply annually; counsel suggested a fixed city decision could be revisited every revaluation cycle but recognized farmers can face short‑term development pressure and may prefer an annual review pathway. The subcommittee asked the assessor and corporate counsel to draft proposed ordinance language that preserves council oversight while allowing responsive relief to farms in specific circumstances; members also noted the statute becomes effective 10/01/2025 and application deadlines (November 1) in the current season.
No ordinance vote was taken. The subcommittee requested draft ordinance text from the assessor’s office and corporate counsel for committee consideration at the next meeting.
