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Lassen supervisors uphold recorded Williamson Act nonrenewal after public protest
Summary
After public testimony from the Hansen family and local farming advocates, the board voted to determine that a recorded notice of nonrenewal of Williamson Act status was appropriate, despite calls to review paragraph 2(g) of a county resolution.
The Lassen County Board of Supervisors heard extended public comment from the Hansen family and agricultural representatives opposing a recorded notice of nonrenewal tied to the Williamson Act. After presentations and board discussion, supervisors voted to determine that the notice of nonrenewal was appropriate.
At a public comment segment, Mindy Belkings presented a protest filed by the Hansen Family Trust and asked the board to receive the protest, review the staff report and provide direction. Jack Hansen and other family members argued that a conservation easement and a Williamson Act contract can be complementary and urged the board to delay a decision and direct staff to review paragraph 2(g) of Board Resolution 12‑050. Jack Hansen said he wanted staff to “review board resolution 12‑050, specifically focusing on paragraph 2 g,” and called paragraph 2(g) inconsistent with local agricultural policy.
Other speakers, including David Lyle Lassiter representing farm advisors, told the board that at the time paragraph 2(g) was adopted there was skepticism that conservation easements would be used to acquire land cheaply, and that the feared abuses had not appeared in the region. Lassiter suggested the county could revisit the policy and work with staff on options.
After public comment the board moved to a motion to determine that the recorded notice of nonrenewal was appropriate. The board conducted a roll call vote: Supervisor Scanlon — Yes; Supervisor Neely — Yes; Supervisor Alba — Yes; Supervisor Ingram — No; Supervisor Bridges — No. The chair announced the motion carried.
Jack Hansen told the board he preferred leaving both instruments in place where feasible: “I believe that a parcel with the Williamson Act contract and an easement is best for the citizens of Lassen County,” he said, while urging staff review and potential future findings to modify the policy.
The board’s action establishes the county’s determination on this specific recorded notice of nonrenewal; a request by the Hansen family for further policy review was noted during public comment but not adopted as part of the motion.
