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they might do if the situation gets worse. This flows nicely with the water summit that <br /> was held in May as far as trying to promote permanent conservation efforts and better <br /> cooperation. He would like to get some kind of report from County Engineer Paul <br /> Thames. <br /> Commissioner Gordon mentioned that there were groundwater reports that <br /> should be reviewed as soon as possible. <br /> Commissioner Brown said that she received an interesting phone call from <br /> someone who is outside the city limits of Hillsborough and pays a very high rate for <br /> water. She said that this person has done so much in water conservation and has used <br /> less than 3,000 gallons a month. However, she has to pay for 3,000 gallons at a very <br /> high rate. <br /> Chair Jacobs said that we have asked staff to look into Hillsborough's high <br /> water rates on County residents. Hillsborough may need conservation rates for the <br /> people who conserve water. <br /> c. Cooperative Agreement—Acceptance of USDA Grant for Farmland <br /> Easements <br /> The Board considered entering into a cooperative agreement with the United <br /> States Commodity Credit Corporation (which administers the USDA Farmland Protection <br /> Program) for purposes of accepting grants totaling $784,155 for the purchase of <br /> farmland conservation easements. <br /> David Stancil said that in June the Board authorized staff to submit a grant <br /> application to the USDA, Natural Resource Conservation Service, and the Farmland <br /> Protection Program. In the spring of this year, the new farm bill was signed and that <br /> appropriated $48 million nationally for the acquisition of farmland conservation <br /> easements. North Carolina's allocation turned out to be $2.2 million. He recognized the <br /> staff that worked on this. The grant has been approved in the amount $784,155, which <br /> is 99.4% of the total request. The federal fiscal year ends September 30`h, so there is a <br /> short turnaround for pursuing the cooperative agreement, which accepts the grant. The <br /> agreement needs to be signed and returned by September 20`h. The County then has <br /> two years to complete the negotiation of the easements. The recommendation is that <br /> the Board review and approve the cooperative agreement, subject to further review by <br /> the County Attorney, to be transmitted to the State Conservationists by September 20`h <br /> Chair Jacobs pointed out that, thanks to the vision of this Board, we received <br /> more than 1/3 of the total amount of money that was available in the entire State of <br /> North Carolina and we just protected 50% more land than we had protected up to this <br /> point. <br /> Chair Jacobs mentioned that for other farmers who may be experiencing <br /> difficulties and may need some cash in order to keep their operations going or for other <br /> people who are landowners and do not want to develop and are looking for an <br /> alternative, the County is still ready to work with them to try and purchase more <br /> conservation easements. <br /> A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner <br /> Halkiotis to approve the cooperative agreement, pending further review by the County <br /> Attorney. <br /> VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br /> 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS <br /> a. Local Law Enforcement Block Grant Public Hearing <br />