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828 <br />used and how much of the area within 1/2 mile is used. He made reference to <br />a map showing wetlands and talked about the type of information they reviewed <br />Marvin Collins continued through the information in the abstract including IL-1: <br />comparison of LESA System scores for selected Orange County farms, farmlanu, <br />evaluation, and other options. <br />With regard to development rights, Marvin Collins noted that they could <br />buy development rights on a certain portion of the acreage and not on the <br />entire tract. There is a lot of flexibility with transfer of development <br />rights. <br />The Agricultural Advisory Board asked for feedback on the three options <br />presented in the agenda abstract so they will know which direction to pursue. <br />Commissioner Willhoit made reference to the Board's goals and <br />preservation of farmland and noted that another way to say this. is to say that <br />the County is interested in preserving operational farms to insure that the <br />farm will still be operational. People want to see real cows and crops <br />growing. Farmland preservation will depend on funding. A bond referendum <br />could be used to finance the program or it could be done through a fund <br />similar to what recreation does. He feels the overall ranking would be <br />important. <br />John Link noted that 2/3 of the tax base is urban. Active farms could <br />be preserved by either using sales tax or a property tax setaside. He favors <br />the property tax approach. <br />Commissioner Halkiotis arrived at 8:15 <br />Commissioner Willhoit asked how much it would cost if they wanted t` <br />select five farms for this program. <br />Chris Hogan stated that they have been trying to determine how mach their <br />land is worth. The only way to be sure the property will stay as open space <br />is to purchase it. There will be a lot of variations. <br />Commissioner Willhoit feels that people will be supportive of trying to <br />acquire operating farms if there is an assurance that the farm will remain <br />operational. He feels the Board needs to discuss a concrete proposal. <br />Dolly Hunter said that an average farm is 325 acres and the average cost <br />would be $2200 an acre or $715,000. -- <br />Elizabeth Walters asked that the Board indicate which area of the county <br />would get the most benefit of preserving. <br />Chair Carey emphasized that the land that is preserved can be used as a <br />working farm which is the assurance to the taxpayers. It will create open <br />space. He inquired about using development rights for golf courses and was <br />told that development rights preclude such things as golf courses or anything <br />else. A conservation easement is recorded on the property saying exactly for <br />what it can be used. <br />Bob Strayhorn said that in selling something like this, what they are <br />actually preserving is open space. He sees a problem with selling this <br />program to active farmers who are not interested in open space. He asked why <br />should a farmer help pay for open space when they already have open space. <br />Commissioner Halkiotis feels this is an opportunity to pay for preserving <br />open space and that there would be a lot of support for a program of thin <br />magnitude. <br />Chair Carey feels that the benefit to the property owner would be to (1) <br />keep their farm, and (2) maintain the beauty of open space.