The Williamson Act, a linchpin in preserving California’s open space and farmland, is on life support. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Legislature must step up and revive it.
Under the 1965 law, farmers and ranchers who agree to keep land in agriculture or as open space pay property taxes at a lower rate than the full market value. The state then reimburses local governments for the lost tax revenue. About 16 million acres is protected, including 180,000 acres in Sacramento County and 400,000 in Yolo, nearly two-thirds of all county land.
During last year’s budget crisis, the governor slashed $28 million for the reimbursements. If the program is not funded this year, counties might not be able to pick up the slack and it could start an irreversible slide. Many farmers would likely option their land, ensuring it is developed when the economy rebounds.
Sen. Dave Cox, a Fair Oaks Republican, plans to get an audience with the administration to make his case for funding. He notes the Williamson Act has bipartisan support, a rare thing at the Capitol. For that reason alone, a deal to restore funding is worthwhile – if only as a good-faith precedent for more cooperation to break the budget logjam.
The Williamson Act stands on its own merits. California’s budget hell is claiming a lot of victims. It would be a shame if this forward-looking and cost-effective law were another.