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PDR board holds closed session, authorizes appraisals for two farms
Summary
The county PDR board entered closed session under Kentucky statute to discuss potential acquisition of real property interests, then voted to authorize appraisals of two farms and set requirements and timelines for applicants.
The county's Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) board voted to enter closed session under Kentucky Revised Statutes KRS 61.810(1)(b) to discuss the potential acquisition of a real property interest, and after the closed session authorized appraisals for two farms under consideration.
During the meeting the board chair said the closed session was requested because public discussion "would likely affect the value" of the property. After the closed session the board voted to authorize appraisals for two properties shown on the meeting screen and returned the meeting to open session.
The board emphasized timing constraints for appraisals. "Our appraiser can only take we have 2 new federally funded farms, and our appraiser can only do those appraisals over the next month," a staff member noted, adding that multiple small-farm appraisals can be scheduled in September. The board instructed staff to notify affected applicants of schedule changes and documentation requirements.
Board members also discussed an administrative change in application requirements. Because the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) lacks staffing to provide full conservation plans, the board voted last month to require applicants who reached initial rankings to submit agricultural water-quality plans before the August meeting instead of full conservation plans. The staff confirmed applicants will be asked to provide those water-quality plans in advance of the next ranking.
Members cautioned that the details of the properties and any offers must remain confidential until offers are accepted and recorded. "When we discuss these things in closed session ... it is to remain, totally, with us and off the record. Once these forms, the offer has been made, and if and when they accept it, once we closed on those and they're filed in the courthouse, then you may discuss it because it's open knowledge and it's public information," the chair said.
The board also reviewed logistics and outreach: appraiser availability will limit federally funded farm appraisals to the coming month; small-farm appraisals will follow in September; and staff will notify applicants about missing signatures on mortgage or loan documents so applicants can be prepared or reapply if necessary.
The meeting concluded with a reminder of upcoming dates: a recognition event on Aug. 7, an Ag Day event on Aug. 20 at 9 a.m., and the next regular meeting on Aug. 27. The board adjourned after confirming the appraisal authorizations.
