Red Willow takes shortcut to 'livestock friendly' label

Red Willow County commissioners declared their county "livestock-friendly" Monday morning, without changing the county's existing zoning regulations or denying residents the right to voice their opinions and concerns about zoning issues.

Complying with regulations of a "livestock friendly" program operated by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture would have reduced some of Red Willow County's setbacks, said Commission Chairman Earl McNutt, and would have eliminated the county's ordinance requiring public hearings when operators request conditional use permits or zoning variances.

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McNutt said he would not rob residents of their right to speak in support of or against a zoning request at a public hearing. "Adopting the state standards would have taken away the people's right to comment at public hearings. Everyone has a right to comment at a public hearing," McNutt said.

County zoning administrator Darcey Eckhardt told commissioners that members of the county's planning commission unanimously supported the self-declaration rather than having the county comply with the state's requirements.

Commissioner Leigh Hoyt said that bypassing the state's program leaves control of the county's zoning with the commissioners, not with the state.

McNutt said he could see no obvious benefit or incentive to joining the state's program. Hitchcock County is participating in the state's program, while Hayes and Frontier counties have adopted self-declarations of "livestock friendly".

"We can let people know we're 'livestock friendly' without relaxing our zoning," McNutt said.

Commissioner Steve Downer said the "livestock friendly" declaration would do well on a regional basis, and suggested a cooperative effort by the seven counties within the Southwest Nebraska RC&D.

Even on a regional basis, rather than or in addition to a county-by-county basis, the "livestock friendly" declaration would help Red Willow County and McCook, McNutt said, as they are hubs of Southwest Nebraska.

McNutt also suggested that the McCook Economic Development Corp. become involved in a regional effort.

Eckhardt said the "livestock friendly" declaration would now be included on the county's and on the county zoning Web sites, and she will order signs to be placed on all major highways into the county.