Board hears staff analysis of Williamson Act AB 1265 direct charge; discussion deferred to budget cycle
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Summary
County staff told supervisors ending the AB 1265 direct charge that returns part of Williamson Act tax savings to counties would reduce revenue by about $700,000 and require program cuts unless replacement funding is found.
County officials briefed the Board of Supervisors on the Williamson Act and the AB 1265 direct charge program and outlined the budgetary consequences of ending the direct charge payments from enrolled agricultural landowners.
"In our example, when you add the AB 1265 direct charge, the property tax now becomes a little under $1,800," County Administrative Officer Andy Pickett explained, contrasting a sample sub‑$5,000 Prop 13 tax bill with the lower Williamson Act valuation plus the county’s direct charge amount. Assessor Alyssa Douglas described how state capitalization rates used to value agricultural property drive annual valuation changes.
Staff estimate and fiscal implications: Ending the AB 1265 county direct charge that channels a portion of Williamson Act tax savings back to counties would reduce county revenue by about $700,000 annually in Butte County, staff said. Because most of the county general fund is restricted or already committed — and because Measure H revenues were programmed to restore public safety, probation and library services — staff warned that eliminating the direct charge without replacement revenues would require reductions in: - Sheriff’s Office: roughly 4.5 deputy positions (area deputies) or equivalent cuts; - Probation: approximately 7.5 probation officers (banked caseloads would return); - District Attorney: about 4 prosecutors; or - Fire: closure of three winter fire stations; or - Library: 21% staffing reduction with reduced open hours.
Board action: Supervisors declined to make an immediate change. Instead, they asked staff to include the item in the upcoming budget process so the fiscal impacts can be considered with full budget context and additional public input. Several ag stakeholders and Farm Bureau representatives asked for the board to consider the agricultural and community benefits of Williamson Act enrollments; cattlemen and local farmers emphasized the role of preserved open land for fire and grazing uses.
Evidence: Presentation by CAO Andy Pickett and Assessor Alyssa Douglas (01:00:17–01:46:36); public comment by agriculture representatives (02:56:00–03:04:10).