Commissioners approve 2025 noxious-weed management plan and set $30,000 cost-share cap

Johnny Taylor, Linn County Noxious Weed Director, presented the county’s 2025 Noxious Weed Management Plan and the cost-share voucher procedures. Taylor told the commissioners the department’s goals for 2025 include broadcast spraying of musk thistle, teasel and other broadleaf weeds on roadsides in spring, transitioning to Johnson grass patrols in summer and working with road foremen on guardrail and bridge vegetation clearing.

Taylor requested continued use of a $30,000 cap for the county’s annual cost-share voucher program, which offsets 20–22% of herbicide purchases by qualifying residents and is paid to vendors when residents redeem vouchers.

"We have had that $30,000 cap for each season that I've been here, and we were under it except for one year," Taylor said, adding staff can ask the board for a short extension in unusual years. He also said the department would pursue a pull‑behind sprayer as a future capital purchase to make equipment rental more useful for residents with larger pastures.

Commissioner (not specified) moved to approve the 2025 management plan as presented; a second followed and the motion passed on a voice vote. Later in the meeting a motion to adopt Resolution 2025-06, declaring a 2025 noxious weed cost‑share program cap of $30,000, was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.

Taylor said the program will continue year-round; he will update the county website and vendor list and said qualifying residents must provide legal property descriptions when applying for vouchers so the department maintains an audit trail.

Ending: Commissioners signed the management plan and adopted the resolution authorizing the $30,000 cap; staff will update public materials and coordinate vendor notifications.