Council rejects motion to advance nonbinding ballot question on Ag Trust housing funds after extended debate

A councilor proposed asking voters in a November nonbinding referendum whether to amend the Little Compton Agricultural Conservancy Trust enabling act to allow the trust to use funds for single-family and farm housing. Supporters said the step would test town sentiment and provide a funding path for attainable housing; opponents warned it could erode conserved farmland and lacked sufficient drafting and outreach.

During a prolonged public-comment period, resident Michael Cicely called the proposal “particularly misguided, and shortsighted,” saying changing the trust’s purpose would sacrifice land conservation for uncertain housing outcomes. Don McNaughton and the Ag Trust described an ongoing year-long study and urged the council to await its August presentation, saying the study would better inform any decision about funding shifts.

The solicitor told the council the motion before it would authorize the solicitor and town clerk to draft appropriate ballot language and that the secretary of state’s deadline (noted in the meeting) means the council must finalize language quickly if it wants a question on the November ballot. The solicitor also stressed that a nonbinding referendum would not compel the council to act but would guide later legislative steps and any financial-town-meeting decisions required to change the enabling law.

After more than an hour of discussion and multiple public speakers, a councilor moved to return a revised ballot submittal to the next meeting for final language; the motion failed after a voice vote with recorded opposition. The transcript records the motion as “does not carry.”

What’s next: Councilors said they expect additional planning-board and Ag Trust briefings and indicated the matter could return with more precise ballot language and explanatory text if proponents pursue it further.