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Board backs action to seek full state payment for Williamson Act contracts
Summary
After a public hearing, Mendocino County supervisors voted unanimously to direct staff and lobbyists to pursue restoration of Williamson Act subvention payments, citing a drop from an expected $2.25 million to current reimbursements of $536,000.
The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors held a public hearing on Jan. 6 on the county’s use of shorter (nine‑year) Williamson Act contracts for 2026 and the loss of state subvention payments that used to offset local property-tax revenue.
Assessor Katrina Bartlett explained the shorter contracts were adopted after the state stopped full subvention payments around 2010 and that staff had sent surveys to Williamson Act property owners to confirm compliance. Bartlett provided figures showing current state reimbursement of about $536,000 versus roughly $2.25 million the county would have received under full subvention.
During public comment, several agricultural landowners described Williamson Act protections as essential to maintaining their livelihoods; one speaker described struggling to make ends meet and urged the board not to remove agricultural status. Supervisors expressed frustration that state policy shifts have left counties with budget shortfalls and discussed directing the county’s lobbyists to press Sacramento for payments.
Supervisor Haschak moved that the board adopt the recommended action and direct staff and the county’s lobbyist to pursue full subvention payment or other remedies; Supervisor Williams seconded. The motion carried unanimously on roll call.
