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Butler County tables Livestock Friendly County application after public hearing
Summary
After public testimony and a short recess, the Butler County Board of Supervisors decided to wait to apply for Livestock Friendly County designation until the comprehensive plan and zoning regulations are complete; public commenters disagreed about whether the designation substitutes for zoning.
The Butler County Board of Supervisors opened a public hearing April 20 on whether to seek a Livestock Friendly County designation and ultimately tabled the matter pending completion of the county’s comprehensive plan and zoning regulations.
During public comment William Reiter of David City told the board that the Livestock Friendly County program "is not a substitute for zoning" and urged that if the designation affects zoning the Planning Commission should review it first. Reiter also said the program can support agriculture but should not be treated as a replacement for formal zoning tools.
Bob Kobza of Bellwood urged the county to apply, saying the program "opens up funding opportunities through the FDA in the event of a catastrophe/disaster" and signals the county is "open for business." After a brief recess the board closed the hearing; supervisors discussed two timing options: apply now and let the designation inform planning, or wait until the comprehensive plan and zoning are finalized. Several supervisors, including Robert Coufal and Brad Vandenberg, supported allowing the Planning Commission to complete its work first.
County Attorney Julie Reiter will investigate whether another public hearing will be required before a future application. The board made no vote to apply and tabled the item until planning and zoning work is complete.
The hearing included handouts and comments from residents and lasted through a short recess; the board resumed regular business at 10:13 a.m.
