Genesee Farm owner alleges harassment, urges county to address conflict of interest

At the start of the March 19 meeting, Lille Levy, owner of Genesee Farm, used the public‑comment period to urge the Planning Commission to ensure fairness, transparency and accountability in county project review and enforcement.

Levy said her farm has been subjected to “repeated illegal spot enforcement actions and ongoing harassment by Tracy Ferguson” and that she has worked to respond and comply. She added that while her business was slowed by enforcement during recovery from the Dixie Fire, she had learned the planning department was supporting the Dixie Fire Canopy Project to establish a nursery in the same small community. "When the same department enforces regulations, it's also supporting a competing operation," Levy said, and she described the situation as creating an appearance of conflict of interest that undermines public trust.

Levy asked the commission for three specific actions: careful evaluation of any county involvement or funding for a nursery project with full consideration of impacts on existing local agricultural businesses; that any real or perceived conflicts of interest be openly addressed before moving forward; and a commitment by the county to consistent, fair enforcement that does not disadvantage small local operators.

There was no immediate staff response recorded in the meeting excerpt other than staff noting public comments would be compiled and considered. The commission did not take an immediate formal action on Levy’s request during the session recorded in the transcript excerpt.