Culpeper County farmers—large and small—got a vote of appreciation from the Board of Supervisors’ rules committee Tuesday.
That vote could end up as a tax break for some agricultural groups such as vegetable growers and greenhouse operators.
At odds for the past several months has been wording of the county ordinance specifying that only cattle and grain farmers are exempt for paying personal property tax on planting, cultivating and harvesting equipment.
While vegetable growers and some greenhouses have been allowed to operate under these exemptions for some time, Commissioner of Revenue Terry Yowell has attempted to adhere to state guidelines and tighten the loopholes in recent years.
That adherence provoked a loud cry from small vegetable farmers who feared they might be removed from exemptions under the county’s agricultural umbrella.
Recognizing that “agriculture is the foundation of this county” and acknowledging that farming, following a long decline, is now once again growing in Culpeper, County Administrator Ernie Hoch recommended that ordinance changes be made to specifically designate vegetable farmers and greenhouses as part of the agricultural industry.
Christmas tree growers would also be included.
If enacted by the full Board of Supervisors, this would not only officially legitimize the vegetable growers, but would also create a tax reduction for greenhouse operators, who would become exempt from paying personal property taxes on growing equipment.
Hoch estimated that this would cost the county only about $50,000 a year, a tiny fraction of its $150 million budget. Realistically, he added, the figure could be as low as $20,000 since computers and other office equipment would not be exempted.
Still, as vegetable grower Bryant Osborn pointed out before the committee vote was taken, it is the small farmer who will benefit most if the ordinance is revised.
“This is important to us and we thank you for your attention,” he said.
Supervisor Sue Hansohn was in agreement.
“I think it is important to move forward with this to make things fair for the small farmer,” she said.
County Attorney Bobbi Jo Alexis hopes to have the revised ordinance written and back to the rules committee by October. It could then go on to the full board in November, when a public hearing would be held.
If the revised ordinance is approved, it would take effect Jan. 1.
