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County approves agricultural easement purchase on 60-acre Bechtel farm
Summary
The commissioners approved using county funds to buy an agricultural easement on a 60.02-acre Randy L. and Susan A. Bechtel farm in Westminster, preserving the land from commercial use at 70% of appraised fair market value.
Carroll County Commissioners voted March 27 to exercise an option to purchase an agricultural easement on the Randy L. and Susan A. Bechtel property, a 60.02-acre farm at 1439 Old Taneytown Road in Westminster.
County staff presented a points-based appraisal showing the fair market value of the land at $165,675.89; the county’s purchase price was $115,973.12, equal to 70% of the appraised land value. County staff said no lot rights were retired and the protection applies to the remainder property to prevent commercial uses and zoning changes.
Why it matters: The purchase increases Carroll County’s protected farmland holdings (staff said the county already had about 80,637 acres protected) and preserves agricultural land in an area where several ag-preserved parcels and nearby properties were identified on the briefing map.
Board action: A commissioner moved and the board voted to exercise the option and proceed with the easement purchase at the stated county cost. The motion carried by voice vote.
Implementation and next steps: County staff said the easement will be recorded and administered under the county’s agricultural preservation program. The property owners, Randy and Susan Bechtel, were present for the approval.
