The Marin County Board of Supervisors kept a legal distance from the lawsuit that paved the way to a settlement leading to the closure of 12 dairy and cattle ranches with long-held leases in Point Reyes National Seashore.

Those multi-generational ranches are driving forces in West Marin’s agricultural economy. They also provide jobs and housing for dozens of West Marin families. By next year, they will be closed, leaving only two that did not agree to the buyout.

Politically, the county board has backed the historic ranches, but legally it steered clear of the lawsuit filed by several environmental groups contesting the National Park Service’s long-debated plan to extend the leases.

Now, the county, as Marin Supervisor Dennis Rodoni put it, is “left holding the bag.”

The county’s $1.1 million “emergency” purchase of nearly an acre as a temporary site for 12 to 16 trailers is an example of Rodoni’s phrase.

The temporary housing will be for families displaced by the closure of the ranches and those who are living in substandard housing on other West Marin ranches.

The county estimates the trailers will provide housing over the next three to five years. The county estimates that there are more than 150 people either displaced from park ranches or in need of up-to-code housing. Many of those residents have lived in the area for years. The children go to local schools. Family members work locally and are part of West Marin’s economy.

The short- and long-term local economic ramifications of the settlement were left out of the park service’s endorsement of the Nature Conservancy buying out the leases and closing the ranches.

There should be little debate over whether the housing is needed. It surely is.

There is, however, ample room to debate the county’s process, one that left neighbors of the property in the dark.

The county has struck a partnership with the Community Land Trust Association of West Marin (CLAM) to buy the land located at Sixth and B streets, near downtown Point Reyes Station. As part of the deal, the county is suspending zoning and planning hurdles and will partner with CLAM to lease, operate and manage the site and housing.

Rodoni, the area’s elected representative on the county board, had to recuse himself from the supervisors’ deliberations and 4-0 vote because he owns property near the lot.

At this point, it is unclear how the site is going to be converted for housing. Who is going to pay for connecting needed utility services? What happens after five years and the strong likelihood there is still a need for housing? How did the county come up with the price it is paying for the property?

In negotiating the purchase of property, public agencies handle their deliberations behind closed doors. Negotiating in public would put the county’s interests at a disadvantage and the state’s “open government” laws recognize this issue. But public agencies can choose to enter into agreements in which they purchase a short-term intention of buying the property, securing a deal with the seller while providing time for public input.

The county should consider this option as it approaches other acquisitions. Other West Marin sites are also being considered.

It is no surprise that neighbors of the site, although understanding of the need and emergency, have questions about the county’s and CLAM’s plans.

At the same time, their elected representative on the board — Supervisor Rodoni — has recused himself from the deliberations and decisions, citing a potential financial conflict of interest because he is the part owner of property nearby.

CLAM’s strong connections with West Marin communities and its reputation that relies on community support promise that neighbors’ questions and concerns will be addressed.

As for county taxpayers, this $1.1 million investment is likely just the start of the cost of “holding the bag.”