The Board is authorized to acquire conservation interests in real property or to make payments to nonprofit conservation organizations for the purpose of rural and farmland preservation as provided herein, based on the recommendations of the Commission.
A. Conservation Easement Purchases: The Board shall expend funds for costs associated with the purchase or acceptance of donated holders’ interests or third party rights of enforcement in conservation easements as defined, respectively, in the Illinois Property Conservation Rights Act.
B. Payments to Nonprofit Organizations: The Board shall appropriate money for payment to a nonprofit conservation organization for the conservation of farmland and natural resources within the County or beneficial to the County, through the acquisition of conservation interests, provided that the recipient organization submits and the Board approves a detailed plan for the work to be done. The Board may attach such conditions and restrictions on the appropriation as the Board considers necessary and appropriate to protect the County’s interests in farmland protection.
C. Voluntary Conveyances: The Board shall acquire conservation interests only from willing owners and may not exercise its power of eminent domain to acquire such interests.
D. Indirect Costs: In addition to the purchase price therefore, the Board shall expend funds for the payment of indirect costs associated with the conduct of the program, including costs of administration, and acquisition of conservation interests, including but not limited to survey costs, title evidence, attorney’s fees, appraisers’ fees, environmental assessments, transfer taxes and recording fees.
E. Voluntary Contributions: The County Board may accept voluntary contributions from individuals, organizations, or other government agencies for the purposes of acquiring conservation easements.
(Ord. O-200903-12-014, passed 3-17-2009)