RICHMOND – Governor Ralph Northam today vetoed House Bill 1204, which would override Arlington County’s decision making authority with respect to how the county assesses property taxes to two country clubs. The Governor’s full veto statement is below.
April 9, 2018
Pursuant to Article V, Section 6, of the Constitution of Virginia, I veto House Bill 1204, which requires the County of Arlington to assess two private country clubs within its boundaries as land dedicated to open space rather than its current method of highest and best use.
This is a local dispute over a local government’s method of assessing land for property taxation. As such, the solution to this dispute should be reached on the local level without the involvement of the state.
I have been assured that an agreement acceptable to both sides of this dispute is close to being reached. I encourage the parties to continue negotiations to find a solution so that similar legislation will not be necessary in the future.
Accordingly, I veto this bill.
Sincerely,
Ralph S. Northam
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