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Board agrees to place Farm Bureau’s ‘‘ProAg’’ resolution on full county agenda after debate over scope
Summary
The Board voted to send a Farm Bureau‑backed ProAg resolution to the full county board after members debated whether the nonbinding statement adds value and whether the state’s definition of solar as agricultural use complicates the resolution’s effect.
Lee County supervisors voted to place a Farm Bureau‑crafted "ProAg" resolution on the full county board agenda after a lengthy discussion about the resolution’s purpose and wording.
What was proposed: The resolution endorses support for agriculture in Lee County and was introduced by the Farm Bureau; it also will be presented by Farm Bureau representatives and FFA students at the county meeting on March 20.
Debate: Some board members said the resolution is vague and questioned its future legal or policy impact. "I hesitate to do this in case of other outside development... It's just a resolution," one member said. Others defended the measure as a statement of county values and a way to signal support for family farms. County staff member Alice reminded the board that "the state does view solar as an agricultural use," noting that state definitions complicate local discussions about solar and farmland use.
Vote and next steps: Jim Scheelein moved and Nancy Naylor seconded that the ProAg resolution be approved for placement on the county board agenda. The motion passed on a roll-call vote with all listed members voting "yes." Farm Bureau representatives will present the resolution and related materials at the board meeting on March 20.
Ending: The measure is nonbinding and will come before the full board for a final vote after Farm Bureau presentation; staff reminded supervisors that, in the future, resolutions should be routed through committee before appearing on the agenda.
