Title
Lease Agreement with Elizabeth and Chad Watson for County owned land in Mulvane, KS.
Body
Recommended Action: Approve the lease and authorize the chair to sign.
Between the years 1996 and 2002, Sedgwick County purchased several parcels of flood damaged land utilizing funds made available from the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973. In accordance with these purchases, the buildings on the land were demolished and the land has been converted to perpetual open space. The covenants associated with these lands also allow for the land to be leased for agricultural purposes as long as no structures are erected. Recently there have been citizen inquiries about leasing the land from Sedgwick County for the stated agricultural purposes.
This lease consists of 6.06 acres at an annual rate of $18.10/acre, a rate established by the Kansas Department of Agriculture for pasture rented on a full year lease for this part of the state, for a total revenue of $109.68 annually. The land, which has been in a tax exempt status since purchased, will be placed back on the tax rolls and the Lessee will be responsible for all property tax levied on the property. This lease incorporates all the covenants from the original purchase. The Lessee is required to carry Farm Package liability insurance in an amount of not less than $500,000.00 per occurrence listing Sedgwick County as additionally insured.
Alternatives: The BOCC could choose not to approve this lease, in which case the land would remain unused unless another method of leasing the property is found.
Financial Considerations: Revenue from this lease will be placed in the County General Fund 70001-110
Legal Considerations: The authority for this action is K.S.A. 19-101. A simple majority is required.
Policy Considerations: Approval of this lease follows established County policy.