Clallam County voters will decide the fate of a proposed half-percent real estate buyer’s excise tax Nov. 8.
County commissioners voted Tuesday to place the measure on the ballot.
The commissioners’ action passed without comment from the audience, belying the vigorous campaigns that will be waged for and against it.
If approved, the measure would add one-half of 1 percent to the buyer’s cost of real property. It would expire in 10 years unless voters extend it.
Commissioners would use the tax revenue to buy development rights on farm land to keep it in agricultural use forever. The cost would equal the difference between the land’s value in agricultural use and its value to developers.
The tax was sought by Clallam Citizens for Food Security, who presented commissioners with 4,021 signatures petitioning the ballot measure.
The group sought a full 1 percent tax, but commissioners cut it in half.
If the tax passes, commissioners will have 60 days to appoint a board to advise them what properties to target.
The county also must adopt policies and procedures, including rules on what kinds of land are eligible for the program.
