Starting Time: 00:00
Hayes D. Brown, attorney and forest owner, will moderate this news conference. Hayes’ email address is hbrown@hayesbrown.com.
Starting Time: 01:07
Will Dixon works with Dixon Land Company. In Barbour County, a controversial 20-ton weight restriction on a newly paved road left landowners, loggers, farmers, and bauxite haulers in a bind. The restriction, allegedly tied to politically motivated and subpar paving, trapped crucial resources like timber and disrupted heavy agricultural transport. Frustration mounted, prompting a community outcry at a special County Commission meeting, where locals demanded action. Will joins us to share what unfolded at the meeting and what it means for the road and the region’s future.
Starting Time: 05:33
Shelby Belcher is a landowner in Jefferson County, and despite his land being part of a conservation easement, it was appraised at an eye-popping value of over $20,000 per acre. The tax assessor reassured him that his taxes wouldn’t increase under current use assessment, but it left the landowner pondering a bigger question: What if the legislature decides to repeal the current use law? This scenario raises concerns about potential financial strain and the future stability of conservation-focused land management. Shelby joins us to share more about his property tax dilemma to shed light on what could be affecting dozen of other landowners.
Starting Time: 11:49
David Miller, an experienced agriculturalist with a degree from Auburn University and 45 years of hands-on work with grain crops, hay, beef cattle, and timber, is facing a property tax issue despite his land’s classification as timberland under current use. His forestland was correctly classified but valued at a different rate per acre, resulting in a substantial tax increase. David’s case sheds light on the complexities of property tax calculations and the challenges landowners can encounter. He joins us to share insights into his experience and the intricacies of current use taxation.
Starting Time: 18:12
Don Spencer, a fourth-generation landowner and dedicated conservationist from Southeast Limestone County, has a cautionary tale about property taxes that every landowner should hear. When his family’s agricultural land, which had been taxed under “current use” for generations, suddenly faced a shocking spike—from $162 to nearly $7,000 in one year—Don discovered an unexpected complication related to trust deeds and title recordings. The impact of this change and the lessons learned highlight the importance of staying informed about property title actions. Don joins us to share his full story and key takeaways every landowner should keep in mind.
