County officials flag possible tax reassessment concerns as solar project application, public hearing approach

Edgar County board members discussed reports that landowners in a neighboring county saw large apparent increases in farmland tax assessments following solar-panel installations and were told county staff will investigate whether the same could occur in Edgar County.

Board members said a solar-project application is expected to be filed later this month and that the county plans a public hearing in the coming weeks. K. said the county received notice the application filing was tentatively set for around Aug. 26 and that a public hearing combining multiple related applications would be scheduled toward the end of next month at a community center in town; the exact venue and time were to be announced.

Commissioners said they had received an anecdotal report that property tax bills in Garland Township, Clark County, rose about 86 percent after a solar installation, which prompted questions about how farmland assessments would be treated. Commissioner Logie said staff member Dina will contact Clark County and consult the assessor to determine what occurred and whether Edgar County’s assessment rules or exemptions apply.

County staff and commissioners said state law generally limits how parcels used for agricultural purposes are assessed, but no statute was cited on the record. The board invited the county assessor’s office to present findings at a future meeting and said it will notify the public about the upcoming hearing when logistics are confirmed.

At the meeting, commissioners did not take formal action on any solar permits, zoning changes or tax appeals. They directed staff to follow up with the assessor and to arrange public-notice details for the planned hearing.