Scott County Fiscal Court on May 2025 discussed whether to include $500,000 in the draft budget as seed money for the county’s Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) program aimed at preserving farmland.

Court members expressed support for preserving prime farmland but raised concerns about the program’s practical effect given reported estimated costs per acre on an internal worksheet. One court member said the worksheet showed estimates as low as $2,500 per acre and as high as $3,800 per acre, but observed that market forces in 2025 may make those figures unrealistically low for Scott County, and cautioned that $500,000 might purchase only a small acreage if appraisals confirm higher market values.

Staff said appraisals would determine fair market values and the county would be a 50‑50 partner when federal funds are involved; the appraisal and federal review process dictates whether a parcel advances. Court members asked whether the county would have a final say after appraisals and before federal commitments; staff said they will seek clarification. Several members said they would support putting funds in the budget to preserve the option of participating in PDR transactions, understanding the actual acreage purchased will depend on appraised values.

No final appropriation was adopted; staff said they will get additional clarity on appraisal procedures and the court’s ability to approve or decline a parcel once the appraisal is complete.