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County purchases 60‑acre agricultural easement on Bechtel farm to limit commercial uses
Summary
The commissioners authorized the purchase of an agricultural preservation easement on the 60.02‑acre Randy L. and Susan A. Bechtel farm near Westminster, agreeing to pay 70 percent of land fair market value for permanent protection against commercial rezoning.
The Carroll County Commissioners voted to exercise an option to purchase an agricultural preservation easement on the 60.02‑acre Randy L. and Susan A. Bechtel farm at 1439 Old Taneytown Road in Westminster.
County staff said the parcel is a remainder farm being placed under easement to prevent commercial uses and zoning changes. The county’s point‑based appraisal set the fair market value of the land at $165,675.89, and the county will pay $115,973.12 (70 percent of the land value) for the easement, which equates to about $19.32 per acre.
County staff described existing cattle handling facilities and the property’s agricultural contributions; commissioners and the owner in the audience noted the property’s ties to local livestock operations.
The motion to exercise the option and purchase the easement passed by voice vote; commissioners recorded an "Aye" and no opposition was voiced in the meeting excerpt.
Ending: The easement purchase will join the county’s existing protected acreage and be administered through the county’s agricultural easement program.
