County staff told the Planning and Zoning Committee that the account used to process renewable-energy applications holds about $440,000, funds provided by developers to pay outside reviewers and consultants rather than county general revenues.

Staff said the account balance reflects application fees and reimbursements for external inspection and document-review costs and that the funds are reserved to cover consultant work for project reviews. At the meeting staff noted two additional applicants in the pipeline: one proposed site west of Beaverville Road under 2 megawatts, and another in the LOTA area slightly over 3 megawatts; both applications awaited payment of fees or completion of the application package.

Committee members said the account is not county money but funds set aside by applicants to ensure external review work is covered. Staff expects to have those two applications ready for the next committee meeting if applicants submit the required fees and documents.