The Dane County Board approved a $6.41 million taxpayer-funded land purchase Thursday despite objections from nearby McFarland village officials who warned the deal could nearly landlock the growing community.
The board voted near-unanimously to buy roughly 165 acres of undeveloped land in the Town of Dunn from Stuart Herro and the Mary Stuart Herro Family Trust for $6,410,000 plus miscellaneous costs. County officials plan to place a permanent conservation easement on the property before donating it to the Ho-Chunk Nation.
The plot contains six archeological sites tied to the Ho-Chunk people, including rare mound groupings, and is separated into two parcels by Highway 51.
Village Board President Stephanie Brassington had sent a letter to supervisors urging them to delay action and commit more time to coordinated planning. McFarland officials raised concerns about the lack of input and the potential long-term impact on the village’s southern boundary and future growth options.
County Executive Melissa Agard praised the decision.
“These lands are environmentally significant, culturally sacred, and deeply important to the history of this region,” Agard said. “I’m proud Dane County is taking this step to protect this land forever while ensuring it can be stewarded by the Ho-Chunk Nation, the original caretakers of this place.”
The county will co-hold the conservation easement with the Madison-based Groundswell Conservancy to prevent development, preserve public access and protect the land. Funds for the purchase come from the county’s Conservation Fund.
McFarland leaders had stressed the need for greater consultation on decisions affecting local taxpayers and nearby communities. The proposal advanced with limited prior discussion involving the village despite its proximity and potential effects on development patterns.
The outcome underscores questions about transparency and taxpayer priorities in county land deals. Village officials had called for more upfront involvement before committing substantial public funds.
