What’s the difference between the Tiverton Open Space Commission and the Tiverton Land Trust?
Tiverton Open Space Commission (TOSC) represents a public entity using public funds to purchase and manage open space. All TOSC expenditures are approved by the town and commission members are appointed by the Town Council. The Tiverton Land Trust (TLT) is a private non-profit corporation with expenditures approved by the TLT Board of Directors. TOSC grant-matching funds come from a share of the conveyance tax levied on sales of real estate in town valued above a certain level. TLT funds come solely from private contributions. TLT has more flexibility. Being a small, private entity the TLT can negotiate purchases more discreetly, without open meetings requirements or the need for approval by a public authority. This allows TLT to conduct business quietly and act quickly. Public access is not, strictly speaking, a legal restraint for TOSC, however, public access is desirable when public funds are used. TLT is not constrained by public access requirements.
