WCC, Farm Land?

[LouS]

Let's get real here. If I were able to afford to be part of the Wethersfield Country Club, where I caddied during the ICO, GHOs and SDJR GHO and where a great many friends are members, I would certainly understand that as a luxury item taxes would be part of the equation.

I do not know where anyone stands on this, nor do I care, as it really bothers me that this piece of property gets taxed as farmland while we are looking for increased tax dollars in town.

Why not look at this, come up with some type of progressive structure that would allow gradual increases in taxing the WCC that would benefit them, by affording thresholds that would not impact the members too dramatically, but at the same time increase the tax rolls in Wethersfield?

Would someone that knows more about this please educate us?

Thank you

[BuckWheat]

Mr. Warren has been barking about this subject for years, with people dismissing him as a kook.

For the WCC to be taxed as farmland, is Wethersfield politics at its best. What do they grow? Turf? If that is the case then Winding Brook Turf Farm should go in and harvest it.

How much is 100+ acres worth in Wethersfield? Maybe it should be like Indian Hill in Newington where residents have a chance to play.

[ThePatriot]

Do they pay property taxes on the clubhouse and on equipment?

[oldetowne]

Yes. The assessment for the whole place is $2.8MM, of which $1.1M is for buildings, $1.3M is for "outbuildings" and $403,000 is for 179.40 acres of land.

The reduced assessment of the land is apparently the crux of the complaint. Mr. Warren refers to it as "farm land", while the actual wording for it is "farm, forest and open space" under the statute. In order to be classified as "farm" land, an application is filed and an annual certificate can be filed with the town's assessor. "Forest" land has to be certified as such by the state forester. "Open space" land is defined in the statutes. The statute does not require that "open space" be accessible by the public to take advantage of the reduced assessment.

Changing the statutes is the only way to "fix" this "problem".

[LouS]

I will be the first to admit when my knowledge in an area is low. It seems that there are state determinations that set standards and that these are being followed.

Thank you for the information on this site, as well as the feedback I got from many.

[tomterific]

Mr. Warren and others have raised this issue several time over the years. I'm remembering that the former assessor had said that he is only going by CT State Statutes. It does seem that it's a real gimmick to call that place a farm. It would be very helpful if we could get a definitive answer on what 'farm, forest', etc. is as pertaining to Golf Courses. Paul Doyle is the state representative for a large part of Wethersfield (probably including WCC). I'd like to hear him give a presentation to the Council at a public session on exactly what the statutes say and don't say. As well, it would be very helpful to talk to other towns who probably have the same situation.

[tooold]

LouS. It seems as if you are saying you jumped to a conclusion that you shouldn't have. Glad to see someone admit to not being perfect.

[tomterific]

Google search using all keywords of connecticut golf "open space" produces a lot of hits, and many of the early ones look to have authentic information. Looks like a lot of towns have been fighting the same battle.

[tomterific]

That same Google search I described also produced a bill No. 222 that Senator Murphy of CT 16th District introduced in January 2005. Don't know who he is or where he's from, but we ought to keep track of it (and of him).

[oldetowne]

Christopher Murphy of Southington. He grew up in town and went to WHS maybe 10 or 15 years ago. Nice guy.