Supervisors debate board‑sponsored town hall, logistics after large Tenaska/NASCA informational event

Following a large public event about the Tenaska/NASCA proposal, supervisors and residents discussed options for another public forum so more residents could be heard. The conversation focused on whether the board should sponsor or host a county‑organized town hall, how to structure it, logistics (security, venue size, registration), and the timing relative to planning and board hearings.

Timing and formal process: staff said the application will go to the Technical Review Committee, then to the Planning Commission on Oct. 7 and to the Board of Supervisors at its Nov. 2 meeting if it follows the typical schedule. County bylaws staff cited permit “public information meetings” — limited to dissemination of information and not requiring a board quorum — and noted such meetings can be called in the name of the Board of Supervisors or by the county administrator. Staff recommended holding the planning‑commission hearing locally first and then considering a separate town hall between the planning commission and the board so feedback could inform later proceedings.

Logistics and moderation: supervisors and community members repeatedly emphasized the need for a clear format, registration or time limits, and moderation to ensure order if turnout is large. One supervisor favored a board‑sponsored session only if Tenaska (the company) would send subject‑matter representatives able to answer technical questions; other supervisors cautioned against a board‑initiated event resembling a company promotional forum and stressed the importance of independent facilitation and crowd control. Staff and supervisors discussed venues including the county meeting room (capacity ~110–115) and larger community facilities or the high school performing arts center if required.

Public sentiment and transparency: several residents said they felt their voices were not fully heard at the earlier meeting and urged the board to provide additional, accessible opportunities. One resident offered to produce outreach materials and assist with digital communications.

Discussion vs. decision: the board did not adopt a formal policy or schedule a board‑sponsored town hall at this meeting. Several supervisors suggested options: (1) allow individual board members to host district town halls off‑the‑record; (2) schedule a county‑facilitated public information meeting (not a formal board meeting) after the planning commission hearing; or (3) if the board chooses to sponsor an event, ensure staff, security and logistical support are arranged and Tenaska representatives are invited to answer questions. Staff recommended beginning planning promptly if the board wanted a county‑organized session because the planning commission hearing is imminent.

Why it matters: the proposal has drawn sizable public interest, and supervisors recognized that transparent, well‑managed public engagement is important to inform planning commission and board consideration. The board emphasized that any county‑sponsored meeting should be organized to allow substantive questions and accurate responses, not merely promotional presentations.

Next steps: staff will coordinate scheduling options and can reach out to Tenaska to determine if company representatives would attend. Board members and community organizers discussed possible formats (pre‑registration, multiple sessions, moderated Q&A) and venues depending on expected turnout.