Clinton County Fiscal Court approved second and final reading of a “Solar Energy Systems,” aka solar panel ordinance, at its short regular meeting last Thursday, October 19.
Only three of five seated magistrates were able to attend the approximate 15 minute meeting, just enough for a quorum to conduct business. There were only a handful of items on the agenda.
The Solar Energy Systems Ordinance was approved on first reading in September by a unanimous vote of court members when all were present.
Apparently, a solar panel company has shown interest in establishing a multi-million dollar investment in a portion of the county and has been in discussion with local officials about such a project in Clinton County.
County Attorney Michael Rains, whose office had drawn up the 12 page document, told the court he had taken parts of several similar type ordinances that would be feasible for Clinton County to write this ordinance. He also added all aspects of the ordinance called for local, state, and federal guideline adherence for any company who may start a solar system type business in the county.
The purpose of the ordinance “is to facilitate the siting, development, construction, installation, and decommissioning of solar energy systems (SES) in Clinton County in a predictable manner that promotes and protects the safety, health, and welfare of the community and reduces other environmental impacts.
The appropriate siting of a SES avoids to the extent possible and mitigates any adverse impacts to wildlife, productive and nationally important agricultural lands, forests, endangered species habitat, and historic, natural, and other sensitive lands.
The appropriate siting of SESs also established standards and requirements to assure that the use and enjoyment of land located adjacent to and in the proximity of SES is fully protected. The requirements of this are under federal, state, or local laws and regulations.
A Solar Energy System means a device, including its components and subsystems, that collects solar energy for electricity generation, consumption, or transmission, or for thermal applications.
They are, in turn, divided into three types depending on how the system is incorporated into existing land use: integrated, rooftop, or ground mounted.
Some believe that the production of solar energy, where electric utilities can purchase energy from the solar energy companies, could eventually lead to lower utility costs to area residents sometime in the future.
Magistrate Mickey Riddle made the motion to approve the Solar Energy Systems Ordinance on second reading, with Magistrate Jason Pitman seconding the motion and all (including the other magistrate present, Tony Delk) voting yes.
The court also approved some routine items of business, including acknowledging the treasurer’s report and voting to approve the monthly report.
Also on a motion by Riddle, the court approved payment of claims and bills.
A trio of cash transfers, which included the monthly payroll, were approved on separate, unanimous votes.
All transfers, which totaled $46,000, were from the occupational checking account. They included $1,000 to the DES account; $20,000 to the ambulance account; and, $25,000 to the jail checking account.
Also during the brief session, Clinton County Sheriff Ricky Marcum noted his office would soon be sending property tax bills out and informed taxpayers this year they will have another option in paying their tax bills, other than coming into the sheriff’s office or mailing them in.
Sheriff Marcum and SO Tax Coordinator Randy Jones said property taxes could be paid online this year. Those wishing to pay from home can visit: mytaxbills.com.
For more information on the new online tax pay option available, or questions about how to access the site, please call the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office at 606-387-5111.
The next regular meeting of Clinton Fiscal Court is scheduled for Thursday, November 16, at 5 p.m.