County awards two one-year cash-rent farm leases at Catlin Park and Aetna Road

LaSalle County Board members approved two one-year cash-rent farm leases at their Sept. 1 meeting, awarding both parcels to the highest responsible bidder, Kevin Newell of Mendota. The Catlin Park parcel (approximately 119.44 acres, PIN 22-29-301-000) was awarded at $247.65 per acre for the 2026 crop year (term effective Jan. 1–Dec. 31, 2026). The Aetna Road parcel (approximately 15.41 acres adjacent to the LaSalle County Governmental Complex, PIN 14-36-422-000) was awarded at $252.57 per acre for the same one-year term. County presenters said the property committee opened two bids for each lease on Aug. 22, 2025, and that property and finance committees recommended accepting the highest responsible bid. The Catlin Park parcel was described on the record as timbered and not typical cropland, which the board said explained the lower per-acre bid relative to typical cash-rent averages. Mister Aubrey asked who would monitor compliance with lease provisions such as soil sampling and crop-quality requirements; county staff said the board office would receive soil-sample results and that staff (Amanda, referenced on the record) would review them to ensure the lessee met conditions spelled out in the lease agreement. The board moved and seconded both resolutions; each was approved in voice vote after no further questions were raised on the floor.