Board approves payment for crop damage so crews can clear Kinsey Road flooding

The board approved payment to compensate a farmer for crop damage so crews can access a wet area on Kinsey Road and remove standing water that created a public hazard.

Jim told the board the project will require accessing the site through a soybean field owned by Blue Ridge Holding and estimated about 1.4 acres would be disturbed. Using the farmer's estimate of 60 bushels per acre at $12 per bushel, Jim calculated the payment would be roughly $720 and asked the board to authorize payment for lost crops. A member moved, a second was recorded and the voice vote carried to approve the payment so crews can proceed after harvest and the spoil can be leveled and reseeded.

Jim emphasized prompt action because the standing water has been on the road for months and poses a public-safety risk if drivers enter the area at speed. Staff said spoil would be placed in upland areas and damage would be repaired after harvest.