The Dane County Environment, Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee convened to discuss ongoing property buyouts and demolition efforts related to flood-prone areas. The meeting highlighted the challenges faced by the county in acquiring properties that have been affected by rising water levels.

A key point of discussion was the county's current bid of $1,000 for a property, with estimated demolition costs ranging from $20,000 to $50,000. The committee expressed frustration over past decisions where landowners were encouraged to build homes in flood-prone areas, only to later face significant losses when their properties were submerged. One member recounted a contentious zoning debate that ultimately allowed construction, resulting in a buyout of over $200,000 for a home that the county had advised against building.

The committee noted that some landowners have chosen not to sell their properties, often due to emotional attachments or the belief that water levels would decrease. Efforts to contact these owners have been complicated by their age and location, with some being seasonal residents living out of state.

Currently, the county has ceased making buyout offers due to a lack of state grants and the rising costs associated with the project. The committee discussed the possibility of waiting for neighboring properties to become tax delinquent or engaging in discussions with landowners willing to sell. However, there is no active buyout offer on the table, and any future offers would be significantly lower than previous assessments.

Concerns were raised about the safety of existing structures on these properties, with committee members questioning whether landowners should be held responsible for their removal. However, it was clarified that the county lacks the authority to enforce such actions, leaving the responsibility to local towns, which have been reluctant to act.

The meeting underscored the ongoing complexities of managing flood-prone properties in Dane County and the need for continued dialogue with affected landowners. The committee's next steps will involve monitoring the situation and potentially revisiting discussions with landowners in the future.