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Show Chapter 5 Recommendations Explanation: Private property owners in the watershed would be informed about the benefits of conservation easements. An owner of land who decides not to develop property may obtain tax benefits by donating the development rights to a public agency or qualifying non- profit organization. Development would be permanently restricted through a deed restriction. Salt Lake City will explore developing a relationship with a local private nonprofit land trust to assist in a property acquisition program. Land trusts have the benefit of being more proactive and flexible in land acquisition programs. • Recommendation: Salt Lake City should have the opportunity to purchase lands at more than fair market value under limited circumstances that benefit the watershed. Implementation: A policy change should be made to reflect this recommendation by September 1,1999. Explanation: Salt Lake City is often at a disadvantage when seeking to purchase a piece of property. Currently, the policy prevents them from paying more than fair market value for a piece of property. Landowners may feel their property is worth more than fair market value and are able to sell it at a price higher than fair market value. This often excludes Salt Lake City from purchasing the property. Through increased funding of the Watershed and Water Rights Purchase Fund and changing the policy regarding purchasing land at fair market value, Salt Lake City may be more effective in their watershed property acquisition efforts. • Recommendation: Salt Lake City will work with Salt Lake County to be able to purchase tax sale properties for the tax value, not the market value of the property. Implementation: Salt Lake City will send a proposal to the Salt Lake County Assessor regarding the development of a policy regarding the purchase of tax sale properties in the watershed by January 1, 2000. This policy would then be adopted by the County Commission. Page 78 |