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Residents Press Ottawa County on Transparency and Authority Over Proposed Hog Farm
Summary
Residents and organizers urged Ottawa County commissioners to press Schwartz Farms for public meetings and disclosures about a proposed megaswine facility; commissioners said they have no financial interest and cited limits on their authority under K.S.A. 17‑5908.
Residents concerned about a proposed Schwartz Farms hog facility pressed the Ottawa County Board of County Commissioners on July 7, asking whether the board could stop the project and demanding greater transparency from the operator. Jerry Ayers, speaking during the public forum, thanked organizer Kathy Scharplaz and noted the relevant state law "uses the word 'may'" in K.S.A. 17‑5908, which he said does not require action. Several speakers asked that Schwartz Farms hold a public meeting and "sell this to the citizens," according to the minutes.
Commissioner Carla Grund told attendees she had researched Schwartz Farms and "did not see them listed in any environmental violations or lawsuits" and assured the group that "nothing secret is going on." County Appraiser Truette McQueen told the board the facility in Herington has a current assessed value of $9,000,000, a figure cited in the discussion about fiscal impacts. Tom Corman and others pressed the board on potential conflicts of interest; each commissioner stated they had no money interest related to the Schwartz Farms facility. Commissioner Mortimer said the commission had been advised "not to say anything" regarding certain legal questions about stopping the project. The discussion generated requests for clearer public outreach from the farm rather than new regulatory action by the county.
