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Clark County commissioners back six agricultural-easement applications; president abstains on resolutions tied to family interest
Summary
The Board of Clark County Commissioners unanimously supported participation in the state’s Local Agricultural Easement Purchase Program for six properties, while Commissioner Sasha Rittenhouse abstained from two related resolutions because the easements involve her family.
The Clark County Board of Commissioners voted March 11 to support applications for six county properties to join the Ohio Local Agricultural Easement Purchase Program, which pays landowners for development rights to preserve farmland in perpetuity. The motions were moved by Commissioner Charles A. Patterson and seconded by Commissioner Richard L. Lohnes.
Caitlin Brown, associate director of the Tecumseh Land Trust, told the board that the six Clark County nominations are also applying for federal funding and that easements will prevent subdivision or nonagricultural development while allowing homes and farm buildings within homestead areas. “Essentially what this will do is ensure that these properties are forever protected,” Brown said.
The resolutions — 2026-0201 and 2026-0202 — were adopted with Commissioners Patterson and Lohnes voting yes and Commissioner Sasha L. Rittenhouse recorded as abstain. Rittenhouse disclosed at the start of the meeting that two agenda resolutions involve agricultural easements connected to her family and that she would not participate in those discussions.
Why it matters: Easement purchases compensate landowners for development rights and help preserve prime agricultural soils and the county’s rural character. Brown said demand for easements in Clark County is high; she noted 32 federal applications this year and that more than half of the 39 properties under Tecumseh Land Trust management are in Clark County.
Details and next steps: The board’s action is a statement of support for the applications; participation in the Ohio LAEPP does not itself transfer funds. Tecumseh Land Trust indicated it will act as an intervener in a related solar project proceeding. The resolutions state the board reviewed the nominations and determined they are compatible with the county’s land-use goals.
Authorities and references cited at the meeting included Ohio Revised Code Section 121.22 (Sunshine Law) in the meeting opening and references to the Ohio Local Agricultural Easement Purchase Program (LAEPP) in the resolutions.
The board’s recorded motion to approve the LAEPP support passed in open session; the meeting later continued through a series of routine contract and appointment items.
