Resolution to authorizing amendments to the Sauk County Farm and Health Care Center Cropland and Pasture Lease Agreements.

Sauk County owns approximately 294 acres of cropland and pasture, known as the Sauk County Farm in the town of Reedsburg. An additional 12 acres of cropland are located adjacent to the current Sauk County Health Care Center in the City of Reedsburg. In March 2022, the Sauk County Board of Supervisors adopted the Sauk County Farm Property Master Plan outlining how the farm will showcase new and innovative conservation practices that prevent soil erosion and reduce agricultural runoff to protect groundwater and surface water resources. Cropland and pasture are leased to local farmers every five years and a competitive bidding procedure is used to solicit bids for renting this land.  Sauk County entered into three lease agreements for such premises that commenced on March 1, 2018 and will terminate on February 28, 2023. In discussions with the operators, the LRE department has suggested changing the lease end date to December 31, 2022 to better align with future activities outlined in the Sauk County Property Master Plan. The amendment to the leases would change the end date to December 31, 2022 and slightly reduce the rental payment for 2022.

WHEREAS, Sauk County entered into three lease agreements for cropland and pasture at the Sauk County Farm and cropland at the Sauk County Health Care Center on March 1, 2018 for a period of five years beginning March 1, 2018 and ending February 28, 2023; and,

WHEREAS, Sauk County and the operators desire to amend the lease agreements based upon terms and conditions set forth within the amendment attached as Exhibit A.