Manhattan Renews Cash Rent Farmland Leases on Village-Owned Properties

Village of Manhattan Meeting | April 21, 2026

Article Summary: The Manhattan Village Board approved lease renewals for two village-owned agricultural parcels, generating over $15,000 in rental revenue for the upcoming fiscal year.

Farmland Leases Key Points:

• A 14.6-acre site on Route 52 was leased to Ron Crawford Sr. for $3,073.56.

• A 58-acre site on West Hoff Road was leased to Ray Nugent for $12,180.

• Both properties are being rented at a rate of $210 per acre through October 2026.

The Manhattan Village Board on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, voted unanimously to renew a pair of cash rent farmland leases on municipal properties, securing continuous agricultural use and rental income for the village.

The first lease agreement covers 14.636 acres located on the west side of U.S. Route 52, south of Bruns Road. Mayor Mike Adrieansen noted that the property was previously designated for a future Public Works site, “but it hasn’t come to fruition.” The board agreed to renew the lease with Ron Crawford Sr. at a rate of $210 per acre, generating $3,073.56 in rental revenue.

The second lease involves a larger 58-acre parcel located at 16400 West Hoff Road, which the village had formerly designated as the potential Wastewater Treatment Plant #2 site. This land was leased to Ray Nugent, also at a rate of $210 per acre, yielding $12,180 in rental income.

Both leases will remain active through October 31, 2026. The combined revenue of $15,253.56 has been formally included in the village’s FY 2027 budget. Both resolutions passed in 6-0 roll call votes without debate.