LITTLE COMPTON AGRICULTURAL CONSERVANCY TRUST

ANNUAL REPORT, FISCAL YEAR ENDED 6-30-12 • History, Structure And The Transfer Tax

The purpose of this annual report is to provide a synopsis of Trust activities during the fiscal year July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012.

The Little Compton Agricultural Conservancy Trust was established by the voters at the 1986 Financial Town Meeting. The principal purpose of the Trust is to preserve farm lands and open space in the Town. This is accomplished through outright purchase of either fee interest in land or development rights, as well as donations of land and cash. Funds for these purchases have been raised during the fiscal year through a transfer tax on all real estate sales over $150,000.00.

The fee schedule, effective July 1, 2004, exempts the first $150,000.00 of land value. Transaction amounts from $150,000.00 to $225,000.00 are taxed at the rate of $2%. Transaction amounts over $225,000.00 are taxed at a 4% rate.

The Town Council appoints five individuals to be Trustees, one of which is an active farmer. As provided by the enabling legislation, the Trust membership also includes two additional members appointed by the Little Compton Planning Board and the Conservation Commission respectively. The seven trustees serve for 5-year staggered terms. In addition to on-site inspections and attendance at land preservation confer- ences, the Trustees meet at least monthly. These meetings are held in the Town Hall and are open to the public. Notices are posted on a calendar in the Town Clerk’s office as well as on the bulletin board outside the Town Hall and at Wilbur’s Store.

• Financial Data

As of July 1, 2012, the Town Treasurer, who manages and collects the Trust funds, held funds on behalf of the Trust in the amount of $1,695,334.37. At that time, the Trust had applications submitted to preserve 971.24 acres of land, estimated to cost in excess of $9.2 million some of which will be funded by grants totaling $1,250,000.00 from the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

During the fiscal year ending June 30, 2012 there were 70 transfer tax returns filed and $1,291,035.72 was collected. Additionally, private donations totaling $13,100.00 were received for which LCACT is extremely grateful. A total of 23.57 acres of land were pre- served during this period. Since its inception, the Trust has preserved or partnered with other organizations in preserving 1,894.34 acres of land of which 646 are owned out- right and the development rights to 1,043.47 acres have been acquired. A list of Trust’s acquisitions may be obtained in either the Town Clerk’s office or the Brownell Library.

Any person interested in considering the sale of their land or the development rights, or making a gift of land or money, or appreciated securities, are invited to contact any of the Trustees listed below.

The Trust wishes to thank all the many individuals who have supported the Trust in its land preservation efforts.

Respectfully submitted by:

The Trustees

George D. Mason, Chairman William Richmond, Vice-Chairman Ellen Field Patrice O. Hagan

Edmund Maiato Wayne Barker Montgomery David Wechsler

January 10, 2013

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