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Commissioners approve $28,160 for Ayers family conservation easement; two larger projects deferred
Summary
Lee County approved $28,160 from the Farmland Preservation Fund to cover transaction‑cost overages for the Ayers family farm easement and discussed two larger proposed easements (Howard and Douglas farms) that would require a policy amendment and additional funding.
The Lee County Board of Commissioners voted to allocate $28,160 from the Lee County Farmland Preservation Fund to cover transaction‑cost overages for the Ayers family farm conservation easement, a 74‑acre project in the Lemon Springs area that contains a high percentage of prime or statewide important soils. Triangle Land Conservancy presented three projects and said county participation increases the projects’ competitiveness for state and federal grants.
Melissa Cloonan of Triangle Land Conservancy told the board the Ayers project has $547,131 secured from the state for easement purchase plus $40,100 for transaction costs; the county request covers overages in due diligence, survey, attorney fees and stewardship funds required of accredited land trusts. The Agriculture Advisory Board recommended the request.
Two additional projects (the Howard longleaf pine tree farm and the Douglas farm) were presented for discussion; those requests would require changing the county policy so funds could be used for easement acquisition (not just soft costs). Commissioners questioned budget comparisons between projects, the county match necessary to secure state funding, and the long‑term funding mechanism (rollback taxes) for the county’s preservation fund. Staff agreed to return with clarified policy language and further financial details at the October meeting.
The motion to approve the Ayers Family Farm easement funding passed by voice vote.
