County Secures $450 Per Acre for Farm Lease, Approves Courthouse Repairs
January Committee Meeting
Article Summary: The Buildings & Grounds Committee awarded a lucrative three-year farm lease and approved contracts to restore historic woodwork and repaint the courthouse porch.
Buildings & Grounds Key Points:
-
Farm Lease: Arlen and Allen Kasten won the bid to farm the 119.9-acre County Farm at a rate of $450 per acre for three years.
-
Courthouse Restoration: Cinric Painting was selected to refinish the historic County Board Room woodwork and repair the south porch using grant and coal funds.
-
Revenue Generation: The farm lease is expected to generate approximately $53,995 annually for the county.
The Montgomery County Board’s Buildings & Grounds Committee on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, secured a high-value lease for county-owned farmland and moved forward with preservation projects at the Historic Courthouse.
During a bid opening for the 119.9-acre County Farm lease, the committee reviewed initial bids starting at $403 and $405 per acre. Following a live bidding process between the top contenders, the lease was awarded to Arlen and Allen Kasten for $450 per acre. The three-year lease runs through November 2028 and is projected to bring in nearly $54,000 annually.
The committee also approved maintenance projects for the Historic Courthouse. Members voted to accept a proposal from Cinric Painting to restain and refinish the historic woodwork, handrails, judge’s bench, and decorative moldings in the County Board Room. The project will be funded partially by a Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) grant, with Resident Circuit Judge Hantla pledging $3,000 toward the costs.
Additionally, the committee approved a $17,900 bid from Cinric Painting to repair and paint the south porch of the Historic Courthouse. This project includes work on columns, molding, trim, and second-story corbels. This expense will be covered by Coal Fund 375.
Committee Chairman Mark Hughes also reported on the potential acquisition of property at 127 N. Main Street, noting that the process is ongoing.
Meeting Briefs
DAR Plaque Approved:
The Buildings & Grounds Committee approved a request from the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) to install an 18×24 inch bronze plaque at the Historic Courthouse. The plaque will honor Revolutionary War General Richard Montgomery, the county’s namesake.
Event Calendar
[pdem_events format="calendar" size="xlarge" layout="stacked" exclude_category="sports,library" limit="22" debug="no"]
Latest News Stories
Everyday Economics: Existing home sales report may be noisy. Inflation will shape outlook
Illinois lawmakers weigh options to change rising property tax structure
Texodus: At least 12 Texas members of Congress won’t be returning next year
War in Iran shocks markets, costs U.S. taxpayers $1 billion a day
Mississippi primaries to watch on Tuesday
Advocates, lawmakers propose increased cigarette tax
Legal experts anticipate SCOTUS will overturn drug user gun ban
Parents’ rights advocates hail SCOTUS ruling against secret gender transitions
Critics warn Illinois bill could lead to government overreach in newborn care
Veteran suicide rate remains high despite spending millions
BlackRock summit to focus on workforce needed for U.S. infrastructure boom
Debate grows as states consider teacher strike bans
