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Council and attorneys to continue talks on proposed AgTrust transfer‑tax amendments
Summary
The council discussed proposed amendments to the Little Compton Agricultural Conservancy Trust transfer-tax process, with attorneys from both sides planning a follow-up meeting to resolve legal questions; public commenters urged clearer rules and stronger enforcement language.
The Little Compton Town Council discussed proposed changes to the Agricultural Conservancy Trust (AgTrust) transfer‑tax payment process and scheduled a follow‑up attorney meeting to resolve outstanding legal questions.
Council members and counsel agreed the core issues are legal in nature. The town solicitor and the AgTrust’s attorney, Corinne Browning, planned a further meeting (noted on the record for 10/29 at 11 a.m.) to work through whether the proposed changes can be implemented by an appendix to the trust’s rules or require amendment to the enabling legislation. The solicitor said the issues “are legal in nature” and multiple meetings with counsel were appropriate.
Members of the public, including a long comment from a resident identified as Larry, supported the trust’s intent to clarify collection and enforcement procedures. Larry urged adoption of clearer forms, rules and regulations and cited examples of other island trusts that adopted robust enforcement provisions under comparable enabling language. Participants agreed additional time and attorney collaboration were needed; the council asked counsel to return with draft language before Thanksgiving if possible.
No formal vote was taken on policy changes at the meeting. The item remains under legal review and will return to a future meeting once the town solicitor and AgTrust counsel reconcile outstanding points.
