2. Farmland lease policy - Laserfiche WebLink

DRAFT 8/4/03 CASS COUNTY COMMISSION POLICY NIANUAL SUBJECT: LAND ACUIRED UNDER HAZARD MITIGATION GRANT FUNING ADOPTED DATE: In order to reduce future public expenditures from flood damage, Cass County has acquired and may continue to acquire certain flood prone properties. Properties have been acquired with funding received under Section 404 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, Public Law 93-288, as amended ("Stafford Act"). It is Cass County Government's policy that all use of these properties will be in complete accordance with the provisions of the Stafford Act as outlined below. Farmland purchased by Cass County may continue to be fanned if deemed by Cass County to be the most appropriate use of the land. Farmland acquired by Cass County may be leased to private operators to farm. Any land leased to private operators will be leased at fair market rental rates for the area as recommended by a competent professional and approved by the County Commission or as determined by a competitive bid process. If the previous landowner is also the operator they have first refusal rights at fair market rental rates. In cases where the operator is not the same party as the previous owner, Cass County may either allow the current operator to continue to lease the land at a fair market rental rate or solicit bids from the public. In making this determination, Cass County will give consideration to the practicality of separate operators on the County-owned and adjacent non-County owned land. Annual property taxes on leased property will be paid by Cass County Lessee has the right to restrict access by the public to land being farmed Hunting and motorized vehicles will not be allowed on any County owned land other than the operation of motorized vehicles owned by the lessee. Leases should not exceed 3 years in length Lease payments due each year by April 1. Subleasing of the property will not be allowed.