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Journal
The A supplement of the Journal of the San Juan Islands, Islands' Sounder and Islands' Weekly
75¢ Wednesday, May 21, 2014 Vol. 107 Issue 21
of the San Juan Islands
www.sanjuanjournal.com
Sheriff race tops 2014 election field Contested races: treasurer, sheriff, court clerk By Steve Wehrly Journal reporter
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A proposed change in the county’s open-space farmland program would extend tax-break benefits from 10 to 20 years in order to allow more time for a farm of 20 or more acres to get back into the business of farming.
New twist for tax breaks? County Council to weigh extension of farmland program By Steve Wehrly Journal reporter
The San Juan County Council has scheduled a public hearing on an ordinance to change farmland conservation rules so that current-use tax assessment benefits can be extended to more properties for longer periods of time. A public hearing to amend Section 16.50.265 of the San Juan County Code regarding farm and conservation land will be held May 20 on Orcas Island, at the Eastsound Fire Station, 45 Lavender Lane, beginning at
10:15 a.m. San Juan County Council Chairman Rick Hughes, a proponent of the change, says the 10-year limit on returning farmland to active agricultural production may not be reasonable because of the time it takes to return fallow farmland to profitable production, especially if estate planning on old family farms becomes an issue. Hughes said his main concern is for tracts of farmland more than 20 acres “that are actually used for farming.” He said that he is not trying to protect “hobby farms” and that “there are very rigorous procedures for getting into open space programs and staying in them.” Land used for farming can receive reduction of tax assessments below “fair market value” if the farmer meets certain crite-
ria for profitable farming under state law. “Current use farmland” tax assessment reductions are administered by the county assessor. These reductions are not time-limited, but if active farming ends, back taxes and penalties can be imposed. Land not used for actual farming for a period of time can receive reduced assessments from the county council if the owner meets certain criteria set by county law. It is this law that is the subject of the proposed new ordinance. Under current county law, the land must either be returned to active farming within 10 years or the owner must enter into a conservation easement permanently prohibiting development inconsistent with agricultural use. The proposed change would extend See BREAKS?, Page 4
Election season in San Juan County may not end up being a snoozer after all. Even though most candidates are unopposed and the county council has decided not to put any charter amendments on the ballot, races for sheriff and county clerk are likely to be hard-fought and local political parties are gearing up to challenge the “non-partisan” label. The election for sheriff may be contentious. Deputy Ron Krebs has filed to oppose Sheriff Rob Nou, who won election in 2010 with 66 percent of the vote. Usually, an i n c u mb e nt elected the first time with two- Deputy Ron Krebs thirds of the vote against opposition would not face much of an election contest. But recent departmental disciplinary and transparency matters may make Krebs’ challenge significant. And Krebs isn’t pulling any punches. On his Facebook page, he writes: “Our county deserves better than what you are getting.” As he did in 2010, Nou is expected to wage a vigorous, positive campaign, according to sources close to the incumbent candidate. At this writing, only four of 15 local races have competition. For county clerk, incumbent Joan White has drawn an opponent in District Court Clerk Nancy
2011 Special Award; Second Place: General Excellence from the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association
Vejvoda. In the race for county treasurer, two political newcomers and first-time candidates are seekSheriff Rob Nou ing to succeed retiring Treasurer Jan Sears. Rhonda Pederson, longtime county employee and now chief accountant for Auditor Milene Henley, is running against local banker Tony Fyrqvist. Both promise to run vigorous campaigns. Pederson has lived on San Juan See FIELD, Page 4
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