York County could use loan money reserved for the Farm and Natural Lands Trust to pay part of its debt for the 79-acre Highpoint in Lower Windsor Township.

In 2007, the county borrowed money for farm preservation, allocating $6 million for the county's agricultural land preservation program and $1 million for the farm trust.

On Wednesday, the county commissioners unanimously approved language changes to the loan to permit the money's use for Highpoint.

The Farm and Natural Lands Trust supported the county's decision in 2004 to use eminent domain to take Highpoint.

"They are a participant in these issues," President Commissioner Steve Chronister said of the farm trust. "We need these funds."

An official for the trust could not be reached for comment this week.

Earlier this month, the county was told it owes at least $10 million for Highpoint after a jury ruled that the land's value was $17.25 million when it was condemned.

So far, the county has paid former Highpoint owner Peter Alecxih Jr. $7.5 million. It will also have to pay interest on the debt.

Barbara Bair, county treasurer, warned the commissioners Wednesday that they should discuss the move with the Farm and Natural Lands Trust before deciding to amend the loan's language.

"We owe it to them to have that conversation," she said.

She also supported taking money from the full $7 million loan - not just the trust's $1 million portion.

The trust already has