AGRIBUSINESS CAMPUS MOVES FORWARD
Monday, March 17th, 2008 -- 8:39 AM
The Clark County Board passed a land-swap resolution Friday, but not before some heated procedural debate.The resolution authorizes the sale of about 40 acres of county-owned land adjacent to the Clark County Health Care Center to the City of Owen for $87,500. The county will use the proceeds to purchase about 30 acres of state-owned land south of STH 29 for an "Agribusiness Campus" and possible permanent home of Farm Technology Days.
While there was little disagreement that the idea was a good one, Loyal-area supervisor Chuck Reuth, and others, expressed frustration with how the resolution came to be.
"I want to know why this is being pushed on us today," Rueth questioned, "It was dumped into Economic Development committee and didn"t even get in the hands of the Health Care Committee."
Health Care Center Committee Chairwoman Arlene Kodl worried how the resolution might impact their budget.
"That"s going to cut into our budget next year if we don"t get the land for rent," Kodl said, explaining they currently lease the land for farm use.
After several procedural motions, the resolution passed with only minor changes. Supporters of the concept are seeking grant money to conduct a $25,000 feasibility study of the ag campus idea.
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