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Supervisors debate whether to explore locator site or sell 'poor farm' acreage as part of growth strategy
Summary
Board members discussed engaging the public and planning staff about using land near the county 'poor farm' as a potential locator site or selling less productive land to encourage job-generating development; the board deferred decisions pending comp plan task force recommendations.
Board members flagged economic development and county growth as priorities and discussed whether to actively market farmland around the county 'poor farm' as a locator site to attract employers.
Speaker 2 raised the idea during committee updates, noting the county’s concern that without growth it will need higher taxes to cover rising service costs. He suggested bringing a planning official (Connie) to advise on listing options, starting with forming an asking price or minimum. Other supervisors said any move to sell or market productive farmland should be preceded by public engagement and review within the ongoing comprehensive‑plan process. Speaker 4 said the comp plan task force is compiling input and expects a 'big picture' set of recommendations by January, which would inform whether the county wants to pursue development of specific sites.
Supervisors discussed alternatives such as purchasing less productive county land closer to highways to preserve productive farmland while enabling development opportunities. No formal action to sell or list county land was taken; the board directed staff to include the topic in future joint discussions with planning and zoning and to involve public input before any disposal or marketing decisions.
The comp plan task force noted public feedback priorities included water quality and affordable housing; the task force’s next meeting is scheduled for November 5.
