By Andie Foley
andie.foley@salisburypost.com

The board of commissioners will consider approving seven applicants to the Voluntary Agricultural District program on Monday.

The program began in Rowan County in 1990 to help form partnerships between farmers, county commissioners and land use planners. These partnership lead to mutual benefits for farm owners and county residents.

Voluntary Agricultural District ordinances protect enrolled farmers from nuisance suits including noise, odor, dust or slow-moving farm vehicles; waive water and sewer assessments; increase eligibility for funding; and more.

These ordinances provide the community with local jobs and tax income, preserved scenic views and tourism-based economic activity, as well as clean air and water.

As of late October 2017, 200 Rowan County farms were enrolled in the program. More than 11,000 acres of land was therein protected.

In total, 377.34 acres of land could be approved under the ordinance as commissioners meet on Monday.

The meeting will take place at 3 p.m. at the Rowan County Administration Building. Applicants include:

• David DiLoreto
• Walter Darrell Elium, Sr. and Olivia S. Elium
• Edwin H. Hammill
• Richard O. Lewis and Deborah M. Lucas
• Morgan Mosher
• Charles H. Shuping and Georgia H. Shuping
• Frank J. Small, Jr. and Conita M. Small

In other business from Monday’s agenda, commissioners will consider appointments for 11 boards. These include:

• Adult Care Home Advisory Committee
• Board of Public Health
• Home and Community Care Block Grant Advisory Committee
• Local Emergency Planning Committee
• Parks and Recreation Commission
• Planning Board
• Juvenile Crime Prevention Council
• Salisbury-Rowan Economic Development Commission
• South Salisbury Volunteer Fire Department Commissioners
• Therapeutic Recreation Board
• Town of Granite Quarry Zoning – ETJ

The Board of Public Health has five vacancies, one for a pharmacist, one for a veterinarian, one for an engineer, one for the general public, and one for a dentist.

One applicant applied for reappointment for the general public position. Four applicants were received to fill the engineer position.

Three applicants applied for two vacancies on the Salisbury-Rowan Economic Development Commission, including Bryan Overcash for reappointment.

In total, there are currently 32 board vacancies countywide.