Amador County – The Amador County Board of Supervisors took action on three Williamson Act contracted lands in the county last week, keeping the designation in place, but pointing out that they should discuss the program, and its lack of state support.

Supervisor Richard Forster said they are still using the Williamson Act language, but the state is not continuing the program, so the county must decide if it wants to continue with Williamson Act contracts. Supervisor Ted Novelli agreed they should discuss it in the future, and Board Chairman, Supervisor John Plasse said “the demise is imminent” for the Act.

Supervisors approved line adjustments for the Bamert family on Cook Road; Renwood Vineyards on Votaw Road; and Ruth Crain’s property on Courier Road. County Planner Heather Anderson said the Renwood change would make several acres of vineyards on parcels of 75 and 85 acres, with cattle grazing also on both. She said the project would need easements for a well and roads to maintain viability. Plasse asked about the size of easements, and Anderson said specifics would not be known until the parcels were mapped.

The Crain property was OK’d for 20 acres of vineyard on a 92-acre parcel, and made a 99-acre parcel already grazing cattle. Both would graze cattle. Anderson said the intensive use of the property meets requirements of county code. She said they will be looking at grafting in an orchard, or planting new trees, so they can start to make income from the property. The applicant requested a 5-year extension of the contract, which allows the land, under the Williamson Act, to have its property tax assessed based on its actual use, rather than its potential market value.

Novelli said: “If something goes wrong with the trees, would they come back and tell us?” Forster said the applicant should “come back with a few sentences” if they need an extension.

Supervisor Louis Boitano said they “need a discussion on the entirety of the issue, including non-conforming uses of Williamson Act land.” He said: “I just think annual reporting is the way to go.”

Plasse said: “This is for the rehabilitation of a walnut orchard.” Anderson said the “trees just aren’t producing like they used to.” Boitano said the trees “have a life span,” and they “could take out the trees and replant.”

Supervisors all agreed to the 5-year extension of the contract, a term Forster said they have given in the past.

Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.