Year of Plenty

Wed., June 17, 2009

Spokane Area Farmers’ Markets and Department of Revenue Update

I previously reported that the actions of the Department of Revenue may disrupt several Spokane Farmers' Markets by removing the tax exempts status of the church parking lots used to host the markets. Of the three markets effected, both the Millwood Farmers' Market and the Downtown Farmers' Market will accept the ruling of the Dept. of Revenue and absorb the costs of property taxes into the operation of the markets. The session of Millwood Presbyterian has agreed to cover the cost of around $700 in annual property taxes for the parking lot and the downtown market non-profit corporation will pay the much more substantial cost of just under $3,000 of annual property taxes. I haven't heard about the plans of the South Perry Market. I think the Spokesman Review is running an article in tomorrow's edition about the situation.

Posted June 17, 2009, 1:59 p.m.

The Year of Plenty blog was created by Craig Goodwin in the winter of 2008 to chronicle the experiences of his family as they sought to consume everything local, used, homegrown or homemade. That journey was a wonderful introduction to people and movements in the Spokane area who are seeking the welfare of the community through local foods, farmers markets, community gardens, sustainable transportation, and more fulfilling and just patterns of consumption. In 2009 and beyond the blog will continue to report on these relationships and practices, all through the eyes of a family with young children. Craig manages the Millwood Farmers' Market, is a Master Food Preserver and Pastor at Millwood Presbyterian Church. Craig can be reached at goody2230@gmail.com