I’m a former Yuba City councilman, retired public servant, and a walnut farmer. I recently wrote to the Appeal Democrat to express my concerns about how farmers, among many others, would be harmed if November’s proposed Proposition 15 property tax increase passes. A community member reached out to me asking me to clarify my comments. They argued farmland would be unaffected by Proposition 15.

Why are people confused about Prop. 15? As a leading agricultural county, understanding this measure is important to protecting our local jobs and economy.

A thorough examination of the text of Proposition 15 reveals while the measure does not raise taxes on farm “land,” it still hits farmers with major tax increases, through new taxes on our trees, vines, fences, barns, silos, and irrigation systems.

Such a plan is like a car dealership offering you a “free” Mercedes Benz. What’s the catch? Fine print that says if you want the car you also have to purchase the tires that it comes with for $40,000. Such a gimmick would be dishonest. Likewise with claims that Prop. 15 doesn’t raise taxes on farmers.

Voters should always “read the fine print,” especially when it comes to plans to take more of our hard earned dollars through new taxes.

While Prop. 15 exempts agricultural “land,” from reassessment, the plan fails to include “improvements” and “fixtures” on that land, which are taxed separately per California Revenue & Taxation Code, Section 607.

The definition of a “fixture” or an “improvement” needs to be looked at to see the real ramifications of Prop. 15. Board of Equalization Rule 124 states improvements, “include mature fruit and nut trees, grape stakes and trellises, buildings, fences, dams, paved roads, sprinkler systems, and mature grapevines.”

Don’t fall for false campaign promises that farmers will not be hurt by Prop. 15. Like so many other family businesses in our community, California farmers are struggling this year. The last thing farmers need is more costly taxes.

The California Farm Bureau Federation was among the first to oppose Proposition 15, stating the measure raises taxes on farmers by billions and will further hit struggling consumers with higher grocery bills when farmers must pass these costs along.

I’m voting NO on Prop. 15. But don’t take my word for it. Read the measure for yourself.

Tej Maan is a local farmer and former Yuba City Councilmember