Board accepts donated tower site; authorizes staff to seek access easement

The Floyd County Board of Supervisors voted May 27 to accept the donation of a one‑acre tower site parcel from the conservation fund and to authorize staff to pursue an access easement from a private landowner if required to reach the site.

Board members said the donation must be finalized before a June 30 deadline because the remainder of the conserved tract will transfer to the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) on July 1. "The idea of bringing it before you now is just to have the approvals in place ahead of time so that we're not scrambling at the last minute coming up on June 30," county staff told the board.

The board approved two related items: acceptance of the donated parcel and authorization for the county administrator to sign closing documents upon review by legal counsel. They also authorized staff to seek a donated access easement from a neighboring private property owner; staff said survey work is complete and a site visit with the landowner and surveyor is scheduled.

If the access easement cannot be negotiated as a donation, staff said they will return to the board for further direction. Board members emphasized a preference for donation to avoid acquisition costs. Closing is expected within 90 days of the final signature, but staff said they hope to close sooner.