Yolo County Asked to Justify Eminent Domain Proceedings to Taxpayers

Yolo County Taxpayers Association Seeks Answers Woodland: In July of 2004, the Yolo County Board of Supervisors initiated the process to seize over 17,000 acres, otherwise known as Conaway Ranch, using its powers of eminent domain.

While several months have passed, Yolo County, nor it’s Joint Powers Authority, have revealed how they intend to finance a $50 million or more sale and maintenance of the ranch when the county is experiencing a $14 million budget deficit and furloughed public employees over the Christmas Holiday.

Despite public statements assuring the public that the acquisition of the property will not come at taxpayer expense, the county has not explained how it is funding mounting legal fees required to secure the property nor the long-term financial and legal risks to Yolo County taxpayers.

“Taxpayers need to know why they should pay over $60 million for a ranch when its new owners share the county’s interest in protecting the ranch’s existing water resources, agricultural land, wildlife, and flood control benefits,” said Dudley Holman, president of the Yolo County Taxpayers Association. “There remain too many unanswered questions to justify public ownership of a ranch that has been in private ownership for over 100 years.”

In a January 1, 2005 letter to the county, the Yolo County Taxpayers Association board of directors requested a response to several outstanding questions that could increase public awareness and stimulate debate on the merits of public versus private ownership of Conaway Ranch, and expose, if any, legal or financial risks to Yolo County taxpayers.

Yolo County Taxpayers Association is the voice of Yolo County taxpayers and is dedicated to ensuring greater government accountability to county taxpayers.

Enclosed: Letter to Yolo County, January 1, 2005

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