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Board certifies $182,640 county match, approves ranking and exploration of easement purchases
Summary
The board certified a county match of $182,640 to the State Office of Farmland Preservation, reviewed six 2026 applications, and approved a ranking to explore easement purchases for four top farms—Allen (A&K), Allen (J&A), Brandon and Hartzell—pending final state funding.
Board staff reported that the county's Certification of Funds form was submitted to the State Office of Farmland Preservation with a county match of $182,640, and officials said the county should learn its 2026 state funding allocation in mid to late February. The minutes state: "Sheryl reported that the required Certification of Funds form has been submitted to the State Office of Farmland Preservation with the county’s match of $182,640." The board reviewed six new applications filed by the Dec. 31, 2025 deadline and discussed available funding and Clinton Township's separate preservation program.
After discussion the board voted to approve the 2026 Status Ranking List and to begin exploration of easement purchase for the four highest‑ranking farms — listed in the minutes as Allen (A&K), Allen (J&A), Brandon and Hartzell — with the caveat that final purchases depend on confirmed 2026 state funding. Vice‑Chairman Bill Duncan made the motion, Luke Fritz seconded it, and the motion passed with John Allen recorded as abstaining.
