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Public commenters ask county to address rollback-tax treatment in long-running litigation and to provide online farmland maps
Summary
Two residents raised separate concerns during public comment: a landowner asked why rollback (greenbelt) tax liabilities escalate while parcels remain in litigation and requested an online searchable Farmland Assessment Act map; another attendee praised the procurement discussion and warned about election-related perceptions.
During the public comment period Robert Stevens, who identified himself online, asked the commission to review how rollback (greenbelt) taxes are applied when a parcel's classification is under litigation. Stevens said his parcel has been in litigation for two years, a final court date is not set, and that when buyers demand rollback taxes the county applies seven years of rollback liability rather than five. He asked whether the county policy treats property owners as liable while litigation is unresolved and asked staff to consider solutions.
Stevens also asked the county to fund online tools to increase transparency: an online searchable database showing parcels enrolled under the Farmland Assessment Act and an interactive map so landowners can see classifications for parcels around them. He said he had to file a GRAMA request to get the information and cited Salt Lake City as an example that offers free online access.
Christie Henshaw of Highland thanked commissioners for opening the procurement discussion and urged that safeguards around elections be balanced with practical planning: "What could be viewed as bureaucracy to others may be viewed as safeguards," she said, noting the importance of public perception.
Commissioners held no public deliberation during the comment period but acknowledged the requests and said staff would note them for follow-up.
