Contacts:
Rosalind Daniels, (802) 828-2250

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Montpelier, Vt - The Legislature has hired a consultant to review the use value appraisal (current use) program, which allows taxation of farm and forestland at its use value, instead of its fair market value. The Legislature has also created a Task Force to review the program and the consultant’s report, and recommend possible changes to the program.

The Task Force will meet 3 times and hold 3 public hearings. The Task Force will discuss the report by consultant Deb Brighton and will listen to the public's comments on the Brighton report and the program. The Task Force will make recommendations to the Legislature in January.

The legislative charge to the Task Force, a list of the Task Force members, the consultant’s proposal, and other information is available on the Vermont Legislative web site, http://www.leg.state.vt.us/ under “Issues of Interest”.

October 17th: Bridport, Addison County
Public Hearing, 5-7 pm (time may be extended to accommodate everyone who wishes to give testimony). Topic: Agriculture
Bridport Grange Hall

Directions: From Middlebury head west on Rt. 125 for 8 miles. The Grange Hall is at the intersection of Rt. 22-A and Rt. 125. It’s a big white building next to the Post Office. The meeting room is downstairs.

October 23rd: White River Junction, Windsor County
Task Force meeting 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
Municipal Building, 171 Bridge Street, White River Junction
Public Hearing, 5-7 pm Topic: Forestry
American Legion, Hartford Post 26
129 S. Main Street, White River Junction

Directions: From Montpelier: Take 89 South, to 91 North, Take Exit 11 (at junction of I89/I91) White River Junction, stay straight; McDonalds will be on your right. You will be on Route 5. Go straight through 3 sets of lights (one is a flashing yellow). This will bring you into downtown White River Junction. You will come to a stop sign; at the stop sign take a left and go under Railroad overpass. Stay straight and go over small bridge; Municipal Building (also called Town Hall) will be on your right immediately after the bridge, 171 Bridge St. There is ample parking available.

November 7th: Montpelier
Task Force meeting 9:30 am - 6 pm, Room 11 Statehouse

Anyone interested in submitting written comments for the Task Force may do so by mail to Rosalind Daniels, Legislative Council, 115 State St, Montpelier, VT 05633 by October 24, 2007.