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Brooklyn Ag Commission asks Assessor to review tax-abatement, discusses Right-to-Farm outreach and budget
Summary
Commissioner Lou Brodeur moved that the Commission bring Town Ordinance Chapter 6 (tax abatements/exemptions) to the Assessor, saying the exemption has not been applied to his farm; the motion passed unanimously. Members also discussed Right-to-Farm outreach (including Plainfield’s recent ordinance), PA-490 taxation, and 2026–27 budget items.
At its March 24 meeting the Brooklyn Agricultural Commission voted unanimously to ask the Town Assessor to review Town Ordinance Chapter 6 (Tax Abatements and Tax Exemptions) after Commissioner Lou Brodeur said the ordinance’s exemptions for farm buildings and additional machinery appear not to have been applied to his property for the past two years.
Brodeur moved that the commission "bring up Town Ordinance 6 – Abatements and Tax Exemptions" with the Assessor to correct his tax bill; the motion was seconded by Stan Karro and carried by voice vote (5-0-0). The minutes record that Brodeur said the ordinance had exempted farm buildings with an assessed value of $100,000 and additional farm machinery an additional assessed value of $100,000 when adopted in 2013, and that he believes those provisions have not been followed in his case.
Separately, the commission discussed Right-to-Farm awareness initiatives and scheduling an informational session with a Farm Bureau representative to explain Brooklyn’s regulations, zoning and references to PA-490. Members noted that Plainfield adopted a Right-to-Farm ordinance on Feb. 19, 2026, and suggested inviting former commission member Sally Timmons (NRCS) or a Department of Agriculture representative to discuss state programs and grants.
On budget planning, the commission reviewed likely items for the 2026–27 budget and noted use of remaining 2025–26 funds to purchase a television before July 1. Specific items discussed for next year’s budget included funds for a recording secretary, supplies for the fair, education and training, and professional fees including $1,200 for drone filming by Corey LaBlanc. The commission will compile and compare those items with last year’s budget to prepare a 2026–27 proposal.
The meeting also included routine procedural votes: approval of previous meeting minutes and setting the April meeting for April 28, 2026 (both passed unanimously), and the re-nomination and acceptance of Lachelle Rosinski as Chair and Charles Langevin as Vice-Chair (motion carried 5-0-0). The meeting adjourned at 7:57 p.m.
