Mark Grimm with GilmoreBell called in for the scheduled meeting on Solar Taxation and Chapter 100. They have worked with several counties and solar companies. The 2 solar companies, Clearway (650 MW) and NextEra (510 MW) are ready to work on the abatement agreement with the County. Mark states working with both companies at the same time is equitable and transparent to everyone involved. The solar companies will be paying all fees associated with the attorneys. The taxation process uses the wattage the plant will be producing at the start up for the multiplier on payment with a multiplier for COLA yearly. Though the wattage decreases over time the payments will be multiplied by the startup wattage throughout the life of the plant. The biggest concern is to make sure the County is covered in revenue if the plant is sold to a utility company. Decommissioning agreements ensure proper reclamation, typically bonded or insured. In Chapter 100 process the company gives the title over to the county for a period which makes the plant tax free. Then it is leased back to the company for payments in lieu of taxes (PILT or PILOT). The county has no financial liability or responsibility in the process of the plant.
Ann Evans and Rick Laning with the New Home Township Board came in at a late scheduled meeting to discuss the shortage of funds they are experiencing. They had recently purchased a use road grader out right. They were hoping to find a way to either receive more funds or possibly find a grant for more funds. The Commission explained the CART funds and how they have been using an old formula for distribution which no one has ever figured out what it was. They are working on using a new method which will combine the original and additional amounts plus a bit more to each township in one payment. Jim will check with Kaysinger Basin to see if there are any grants they know of that the Townships can apply.
