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Harrison County raises farmland-protection excise tax to $2.20 per $1,000 effective July 1
Summary
The commission approved increasing the county's farmland-protection excise tax from $1.50 to the state-allowed maximum of $2.20 per $1,000, effective July 1, 2025.
The Harrison County Commission voted to raise the farmland-protection excise tax from $1.50 to $2.20 per $1,000 of the transfer value, the maximum rate allowed under state statute. Commissioners set the increase to take effect July 1, 2025.
County staff said 19 other West Virginia counties already collect the $2.20 rate and that the county's Farmland Protection Board supports the increase. Supporters told the commission the additional revenue will strengthen farmland-preservation efforts; staff noted the county closed on two farms earlier in the year using the program's resources.
Commissioners briefly discussed the potential revenue impact compared with similarly sized counties such as Berkeley, Jefferson and Greenbrier, which collect the higher rate and generate larger program revenue. The motion passed by voice vote with the effective date set for July 1, 2025.
The Farmland Protection Board and county staff will proceed to implement the increased excise rate and continue outreach to stakeholders about the program.
