A property tax exemption is on the ballot in one state
Americans heading to the polls for the Nov. 3 midterm elections will vote for a multitude of people and policy decisions.
In seven states, for example, the electorate will decide who will represent farmers and the agriculture industry in those legislatures.
The ag choices don’t stop there, however, as voters in other states will have a say in additional ag issues.
Here are some items citizens will have to consider as the midterm elections inch closer.
In Georgia, one of the three statewide measures on the ballot have ag implications.
The measure proposed increasing the maximum acreage of “agricultural and timber property” that can be classified as a bona fide conservation use property, which is taxed at 40 percent of the land’s value, from 2,000 acres to 4,000 acres.
“The ballot question states the purpose as protecting family farmland. A companion law, HB 90, is already signed and takes effect on January 1, 2027, only if voters ratify this amendment,” VoteGA.org says.
In Georgia a simple majority is needed to see this measure pass.
Ag tax measures are on the ballot in Florida.
Voters there will decide if “tangible personal property, such as farm equipment or tools,” should be exempt from property taxes if the land in question is used for production agriculture or agritourism.
The Florida Farm Bureau supports the idea, saying it would support family farms and preserve local food.
This question requires 60 percent support to pass. If it does, the property tax exemption will take effect in January.
Oklahomans will also cast a ballot on an ag related issue.
Part of State Question 847 proposes lowering the annual property assessment increase limit for homesteads and farmlands from 3 percent to 1.75 percent.
The Oklahoma Farm Bureau is in favor of the idea since it would “keep our property tax valuation rates in check, and it does so without reducing any current funding from our local governments.”
In Oklahoma a simple majority on Nov. 3 will get this measure over the finish line.
Questions in other states may have indirect relations to agriculture.
In Colorado, for example, Proposition 137 proposes retaining some sales tax revenue from sporting goods stores for initiatives like water conservation and land protection.
And In Arkansas, Issue 4 would authorize up to $500 million in bonds for water infrastructure projects.