Agenda - Council - 11/13/1984 - Laserfiche WebLink

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m October 19, 1984 m m Lloyd Schnelle, Administrator City of Ramsey 15153 Nowthen Blvd. Ramsey, Minnesota 55303 300 Metro SQuare Buiic) '~g Seventh oho Roberl Streets St. Paul, Minnesota lelephone [6~2) 29',-6359 I m m m m ! m m m m ! Dear Mr. Schnelle: This letter is to inform you of the many benefits that are available for area farmers under the Agricultural Preserves Act. The Act offers tax relief through the use of a mill rate ceiling on property taxes. No matter how high mill rates go in the seven-county metropolitan area this year, farmers whose land is in agricultural preserves, will pay no more than 105 percent of the statewide average township mill rate. To be eligible for the tax benefits for 1985, payable 1986, farmers must submit signed applications to the appropriate local governmental unit prior to March 1, 1985. The Metropolitan Council would like to help you spread the word about ag pre- . serves benefits and the upcoming deadline to farmers and land owners whose property is designated for long-term agriculture in an approved local compre- hensive plan (zoned a maximum of one unit per 40 acres) and certified eligible to become a preserve by the local government. 'Council staff has developed a 20-minute slide/tape show to help you explain the 1980 Metropolitan Agricultural Preserves Act. We suggest that you show the presentation to groups of farmers and other interested citizens. The show explains the tax benefits, protections and eligibility requirements of the Act, and outlines the issues that led to its enactment. It draws exten- sively from the opinions of area farmers and is narrated by Bud Kraehling. We urge you to take advantage of the show. A copy of the application forms, as well as agricultural preserves information, is enclosed. Feel free to make photocopies. Other material can be provided on request. To borrow the show, call the Council's Public Information Office at 291-6464. If you would like,the Council can provide a staff person to answer questions at your presen- tation. Thank you for your interest in the preservation of farmland in the Region. Sincerely, Jane B. Davis Po 1 icy P 1 anner JBD/ma Enclosure An Equal Opportunity Employer