Opponents of commercial solar projects in Spencer County — specifically proposed solar fields near Richland and Grandview — filled the Commissioners Room at the board’s May 16 meeting. The crowd took up every seat and then some, spilling outside the doors into the Courthouse rotunda. Fortunately, they didn’t have to wait long for the commissioners to address their grievances.
The commissioners immediately brought forward a resolution for a one-year moratorium on new commercial solar projects and passed it 3-0. The resolution cites the meteoric rise in scope, size and demand for solar fields in Spencer County, such that county leaders needed time to assess the impact of such development before approving any new commercial solar farms. Applause was quick to follow, audible throughout the Courthouse as the doors were propped open to accommodate standing room for the crowd.
The resolution directs the Spencer County Advisory Commission to amend the 2021 Solar Ordinance to impose the one-year moratorium. However, there are exceptions to this measure.
This moratorium will not impact solar systems installed by individuals or businesses for their own use, such as rooftop solar or standalone arrays like that of the Chrisney Library. Likewise, the resolution does not apply to any commercial solar farm that has already been permitted by the Spencer County Board of Zoning Appeals. These include the existing Hoosier Energy solar field in Dale, the Troy Solar arrays along State Road 545 and the Grandview Solar project which is technically within weeks of construction.
Bartley Higgins of Sol Systems, the company now in charge of the Grandview Solar project, visited Rockport from Washington D.C. for the second time this month to tend to some final hurdles before ground can be broken on the Grandview Solar project. These included formalizing a fee system to the county for use of land, approving the company’s decommissioning plan for eventual removal of equipment and a road-use agreement for construction equipment. The commissioners had tabled these matters earlier this month to give more time for them for review.
The road-use agreement, at least, was more or less settled as of that day, but Sol Systems hit nothing but obstacles from there. A proposed $200 per fenced acre fee was increased to $1,000 per fenced acre at the behest of Commissioner Heather Gries, seconded by Commissioner Jim Seiler. Furthermore, the company’s decommissioning plan was once again tabled for want of a second, with neither Gries nor Seiler satisfied with the plan.
Higgins asked the commissioners for clarity on their specific concerns, offering to answer them then and there or at least prepare an in-depth response for the next meeting. Seiler told Higgins to call him after the meeting. This effectively leaves the Grandview Solar project in limbo for at least another two weeks, but despite the setback Higgins expressed hope these issues can be resolved to all parties’ satisfaction.
“We welcome the opportunity to have these conversations,” he said.
Commercial solar opponents notched yet another victory shortly thereafter, as Dan Kincaid of the Richland Town Council and Richland Council Attorney Bruce Cissna asked the commissioners to establish a buffer zone in Richland, to ensure no developments could potentially imperil water resources in and around that community. Cissna noted Richland plans to merge with Reo Water system, making the protection of groundwater and infrastructure paramount for the town.
The matter was briefly discussed, with Commissioner Tom Brown questioning whether it would be more practical for Richland to establish its own buffer zone, or at least prepare a detailed map for the proposed buffer zone before acting. However, Seiler made a motion to draft a resolution establishing buffer zones around not only Richland, but all well heads and schools in the county. Gries quickly seconded the motion and the measure passed very quickly. The specifics of this measure will be worked out going forward.
Another applause from the crowd was quick to follow. Even as other business of the board was undertaken, the second floor of the courthouse remained a bustling and murmuring place for the duration of the meeting.
VSO Butch Meredith set to retire later this year
Veterans Service Officer Butch Meredith, a staple of every commissioners meeting since he started, opened his regular report with some good news. The amount of benefits flowing to local veterans from various claims and programs continues to increase. In 2021, about $6 million was awarded to local veterans. One year later, that figure had jumped to around $8,194,000. Meredith noted these funds are not counting medical costs, but can be spent at local businesses for goods and services.
“That will be spent as veterans see fit,” he said.
Spencer County’s VSO remains a destination for veterans from Owensboro, as that office has yet to find a stable VSO of their own. Spencer County shouldn’t have that problem, as Meredith is already preparing a replacement for his planned retirement in September.
Seiler congratulated Meredith for his very successful tenure as VSO, joking that his retirement “was not accepted.” He pointed out that Spencer County is a bright spot for veterans across the region who are unable to file claims in their local communities, as Meredith has always been available to any veteran willing to make an appointment in Rockport.
“That’s how good of a person we have here,” said Seiler.
In other business
• The commissioners held an unsafe building hearing on a property along County Road 900W. A relative of the owner plans to purchase the property and begin necessary improvements. The board voted to give them time to rectify outstanding issues.
• Voted to allow Family Recovery Court to apply for grants to fund its operations.
• Heard from Kay Erwin of the Spencer County Plan Commission that there have been two new residential permits and five new duplex permits for the Reo development. Erwin also noted that Lincoln Pines continues to add rental units.
• Approved use of the courthouse lawn by the Spencer County Public Library’s Rockport branch for activities.
• Gave support to Prosecutor Megan Bennet’s proposal to change a paralegal position to deputy prosecutor. This matter had to go to the county council for approval.
• The next regular meeting of the Spencer County Commissioners will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, June 6.
Photos and story by Don Steen.
