(Watch) CT farmers push back against major tax increases

Connecticut farmers push back against major tax increases

(WFSB)

Connecticut farmers are facing major tax increases following changes to how farmland is assessed.

The increases prompted Republican lawmakers to push for farmer representation in the review process.

They planned an update meeting at 11 a.m. on Tuesday to discuss next steps with farmers.

Kim Grijalva of Grijalva Cattle Co. is preparing to pay triple her usual taxes on her 100-acre North Stonington cattle farm. 

She said that with slim profit margins, the major tax hikes create financial strain for agricultural operations.

Each type of farmland is taxed differently under Public Act 490. The Department of Agriculture recently proposed major increases to assessment rates.

After farmers spoke up, the rates were revised, but some categories still face significant spikes.

“We are paying for what we will make three years from now,” Grijalva said.

Republican state Sen. Heather Somers, who represents the state’s 18th District, said she wants farmers included on a committee to provide input on assessment changes.

“We need to make sure we are taxing and assessing appropriately,” Somers said. “The only way to do that is to not have someone in Hartford who isn’t a farmer decide what that is, but to actually have farmers be a part of that.”

Gary Annino of North Stonington said farmers need advance notice of tax changes.

“If they’re going to do this, they should forecast it so we can put it in our business models and know what’s coming,” Annino said.

The Department of Agriculture sent a statement that said updated values better reflect actual land use values, but acknowledged “the need to make changes to how future PA 490 land values are determined.”

Results from a postcard survey sent to farmers was how land values were initially determined.

Farmers said there needs to be more transparency in the process.

Farmland is reassessed by the Department of Agriculture every 5 years.