Hunter
12/13/19
Over the continued objection of local farmers, the Johnson County Board of Supervisors narrowly passed the second reading of an ordinance changing the way farmers can use their land.
The vote remained the same as last week’s first reading, 3-2, with supervisors Janelle Rettig and Lisa Green-Douglas voting against.
The key issue requires farms of 40 acres or less to get county permission to build new structures and prove they are committed to future agricultural operations by showing they have experience in farming. Supervisors say the goal of the changes is to prevent people from building homes on their land without dedicating it to future ag operations.
Despite public comment on the matter being closed after last week’s meeting, the chambers were packed with people upset over the changes. They were informed that the public hearing was closed because Iowa law mandates it.
The third and final reading is scheduled for next week. If approved, those changes are set to take effect on January 15th.