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LaSalle County to re-bid two farm leases; tenants responsible for taxes, soil sampling reimbursement noted
Summary
The county notified the committee it will re-advertise bids for two county farm properties at the end of the year. Staff asked committee members to review the draft bid documents; current tenants have expressed interest in retaining the leases but county must put the properties out to competitive bid.
LaSalle County staff told the property committee the county will re-open competitive bidding for two farm properties — Catlin Park and a parcel near Aetna Road Complex — because current leases expire at year‑end.
Amanda distributed draft bid documents and asked committee members to review them and suggest edits before the next meeting. She said the county cannot extend the current agreements and must advertise the properties so tenants know whether they may keep them after the next farming season. Amanda noted the draft requires tenants to pay property taxes and summarized rental payment terms: "They pay the taxes. They pay me twice a year, half and half for the property for whatever they bid." She also said soil-sample or fertilizer documentation is part of the application and that the county reimburses certain testing costs.
The committee discussed timeline logistics and notification requirements in the existing contracts. Staff said the notices and advertisement will be posted on the county website and in the newspaper as with other bids.
Why this matters: Re‑advertising the farm leases determines who will manage and farm these county parcels and clarifies tax and maintenance responsibilities.
Next steps: Staff will update the draft bid documents with any committee input, set advertisement dates, and return with a final bid packet for approval and posting.
