The Scott County Redevelopment Commission voted May 15 to approve and sign a one‑year lease that will put 50 acres of county property on Boo Road in Austin into agricultural production.
The commission’s chair read the lease terms aloud and asked for approval. The lease describes “50 acres of farm ground located on Boo Road in Austin, Indiana,” with a term starting March 18, 2026, and expiring Dec. 31, 2026, unless terminated earlier. Annual rent is set at $6,000—$120 per acre—payable in a single installment on April 15. The agreement states the premises “shall be used for agricultural purposes only” and requires the lessee to maintain the fields and be responsible for upkeep.
Commissioners asked Jennifer, the clerk, whether the initial payment had been received; Jennifer replied it had not because the contract had not yet been signed. After a motion and second, the board voted in favor and the chair said, “Motion carries,” authorizing the chair to sign both copies and proceed with getting Bryson underway on the farm operations.
The commission and speakers thanked the lessee for partnering with the county and described the lease as an interim, practical use of the property until other longer‑term plans occur.
The action was recorded as a board approval to execute the lease; payment timing and any additional implementation steps will follow the signed contract.