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Board OKs 14 Williamson Act contracts, adding more than 450 acres to agricultural preserves
Summary
The Napa County Board adopted a resolution approving 14 new Williamson Act agricultural preserve contracts (including two rescind-and-replace contracts), covering more than 450 acres; supervisors discussed tax and subvention issues but voted unanimously to approve the contracts.
NAPA COUNTY — On Dec. 16 the Napa County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution establishing certain Williamson Act agricultural preserves and authorized 14 new contracts, including two rescind-and-replace agreements that together will bring more than 450 acres into the county’s agricultural preserve program.
Daniel Zador of planning staff summarized the item as the annual new-and-replacement Williamson Act contract agreements and asked the board to approve the resolution and authorize the chair to execute the contracts. The board held a short public hearing; no public speakers addressed the item during the hearing. Supervisor Manfry moved to adopt the resolution; Supervisor Gallagher seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Board comments focused on tax and budget implications. Supervisor Gallagher asked why staff could not predict the tax revenue impact; planning staff deferred tax questions to the auditor. Supervisor Ramos noted subvention payments (state compensation to counties) have not been paid since 2010 and asked whether the county should reflect this program as an investment in agricultural land preservation in its budget documents.
Votes and next steps: motion passed unanimously. The contracts will be executed and recorded as identified in the resolution presented to the board; staff will follow up on tax and subvention accounting questions with finance and the auditor.
