Summary as Introduced
Amends the Counties Code. Provides that, notwithstanding other specified county property leasing provisions, upon majority vote, the county board may lease farmland acquired or held by the county for any term not exceeding 99 years. Provides that farmland may be leased to either public or private entities for the public purpose of financially supporting the operations of the government at any time or times and on any terms and conditions that the county board deems best for the interest of the county, including, but not limited to, crop-sharing arrangements. Effective immediately.
Staff Analysis
Provides that, upon three-fourths vote by the full county board, the county board may lease farmland acquired or held by the county for any term not exceeding 5 years. The bill provides that the lease may be made via a cash lease, crop-sharing arrangement or custom farming arrangement. The bill adds requirements relating to the bid process for farmland leases, and provides that counties shall not acquire farmland for the sole purpose of entering into a cash lease, crop-sharing arrangement or custom farming arrangement or other speculative purpose. This bill originated out of Ford County.