ARCHIVE

Farmers speak out against zoning changes

The other side of the acreage issue was heard Feb. 1 by Marion County Commission when farmers attended the meeting and expressed concerns for three-acre parcels and 16 housing sites per section.

Harold and Jennifer Stultz Jr., county residents, were the first to speak of their concerns.

"I called 25 farmers and ranchers who represent approximately 55,000 acres of land," said Harold Stultz Jr. Of those he called, he said all were opposed to the proposed changes to county zoning regulations that would allow development in any part of the county of three-acre home sites and up to 16 sites per section.

The proposed changes would require the three-acre parcels to be wasteland but Jennifer Stultz said wasteland was necessary as buffers and for wildlife conservation.

Concerns were voiced regarding the impact development could have on the agricultural economy.

"If these were to be near cities or lakes, that would be OK," Jennifer Stultz said. She added that farmers pay more taxes than subdivision development would.

"The county has spent money to show this won't work," said Harold Stultz Jr.

Commissioner Randy Dallke said the farmers on the Stultzs' call list probably wouldn't sell three acres for development.

"So why are you pursuing this?" asked Harold Stultz Jr.

Jennifer Stultz added that people who move to the county won't contribute to the county other than taxes — children won't be in our schools, parents won't work in county, etc., and Marion County was unique with its wide-open spaces.

"We have something special and need to preserve it," said Jennifer Stultz. "You're not gaining anything by bringing in people. You have to provide services. Our concern is quality of life. Marion County should develop agriculture instead of additional housing."

Commission chairman Dan Holub said development would have to be managed. He also knows of farmers who want to sell smaller acreage and can't because of current zoning regulations.

Harold Stultz Jr. suggested the commission survey farmers.

"We're signing away 46,000 acres or two sections of ag and wildlife land for home sites," he said.

Richard Meisinger of rural Marion said careful consideration should be given before changing the county's comprehensive plan.

"You may defeat the purpose of rural development," he said. "You could create rural blight. You could end up with a bunch of small tracts — people who moved to the county for rural living and then sell or abandon homes because it becomes too crowded."

Meisinger added that the commission can't reverse what's already been done — it can only affect the future.

Chuck DeForest said David Brazil, county zoning administrator, is not in favor of three-acre tracts and neither are consultants, but the commission is "bent on changing it."

Leading issues for young farmers, said Mike Meisinger of rural Hillsboro, is to return to their home counties.

"We need people who will contribute to the tax base," Meisinger said.

He added that city people move to the country and don't like the smells or the inconvenience of rural living.

"It restricts ag producers," Meisinger said.

Holub said there are disclaimers included with deeds of rural home sites that protect farmers and allow continued operations.

"We have a lot of rural residents who understand ag production," said Meisinger, but ag producers could become outnumbered which could force changes.

Quantcast