Ariel Zanga is reporting in the Daily Freeman appraisals must be obtained for properties severely damaged by Tropical Storm Irene and whose owners want to participate in a federal buyout program. During committee meetings Mon., Oct. 15, Greene County lawmakers gave initial approval to a resolution to seek appraisal services for 11 properties being considered for the buyout program. The county Legislature is expected to vote on the resolution during its monthly meeting Wednesday. Under the program, owners who are bought out receive 75 percent of the property’s pre-storm appraised value. Read the full story in the Daily Freeman.