Backers Split on Paying for Land Set-Aside Plan

A survey of county residents found 75% support for creation of a land-conservation district but a nearly even split on how to pay for it.

The September survey of 620 residents was commissioned by the county Board of Supervisors to gauge support for a taxing district that would buy undeveloped land for permanent preservation.

Fifty-two percent of those surveyed supported a sales tax increase to buy the land, and 50% supported an assessment charged to property owners within the district’s boundaries.

Voters may be asked to approve the district in a ballot measure, possibly as soon as next year.

A consultant who analyzed the survey results concluded that a tax hike probably would not garner the two-thirds vote needed for approval. Supervisors should instead focus on the property assessment, which requires a simple majority, consultant Esther Feldman said.