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Commissioners approve resolution to participate in agricultural easement purchase program after NRCS funding discussion
Summary
Madison County commissioners approved a resolution supporting participation in the local agricultural easement purchase program after staff recommended increasing the NRCS funding request for two applicants; the increase is contingent on appraised values and does not reduce ODA-funded awards to other farms.
Madison County commissioners voted to approve a resolution supporting the county’s participation in the local agricultural easement purchase program after a presentation and question-and-answer session with program staff.
Julia, a program staff member, told the board that two landowners applying this year may be eligible for additional Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) funds and recommended increasing the county’s NRCS funding request for those applicants. "I would like to recommend that we do go through the increase even though it's not guaranteed that you can get more money," Julia said, adding that NRCS awards are limited by an appraisal and that higher appraised values would determine the final award.
Commissioners discussed whether accepting extra NRCS funds for current applicants would reduce the county’s ability to fund other farms. Staff explained that NRCS funding is tied to appraised value and that the additional NRCS money for these applicants would come from a separate federal funding pot and would not reduce the county’s ODA (state Department of Agriculture) allotment for other farms this year.
The board moved, seconded and approved a "resolution of support for participation in the local agricultural easement purchase program." A roll call was taken; the transcript records Mr. Sher and Dr. Snos voting yes. The resolution directs staff to finalize and submit the applications under the adjusted funding requests; final awards remain contingent on appraisals and the availability of NRCS funds.
