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Commissioners discuss revisiting economic-development deals, tax abatements for proposed solar projects
Summary
Delaware County commissioners heard an update on economic-development talks with renewable developers, raised decommissioning concerns and discussed possible per-megawatt payments and ordinance amendments tied to setbacks and abatements.
Delaware County commissioners spent part of their April 7 meeting discussing proposed large-scale solar installations, existing economic development agreements and tax-abatement options with developers including Invenergy and National Grid Renewables.
The discussion focused on whether previously proposed economic-development agreements provide sufficient benefit to county residents and on possible changes the county should seek as developers finalize land option agreements. Commissioners and staff said representatives from Invenergy and National Grid Renewables indicated they would “entertain dialogue” about revising tax-abatement arrangements and development agreements already proposed to the county.
Why it matters: Commissioners said the county’s current economic-development agreements are “anemic” and discussed seeking more direct payments to the county general fund tied to installed capacity. One commissioner suggested a model tying payments to capacity — for example, a per-megawatt annual payment over a set term — to ensure a predictable revenue stream if projects proceed.
Key details from the meeting: - National Grid Renewables told commissioners it preferred a tax-abatement route; the developer previously forwarded a development-agreement draft to county staff. - County officials said National Grid had optioned roughly 1,604 acres in the Wharton area and that 878 acres were planned under the current layout that respects a 500-foot setback. Those developers told the county they could build under the current 500-foot setback, the commissioners were told. - Commissioners raised decommissioning as a major outstanding concern and asked for examples of successful decommissioning agreements or projects. A commissioner said they were not aware of a successfully completed decommissioning in North America and suggested stronger ordinance language on decommissioning would be critical.
Next steps: County staff said a draft amendment to the zoning ordinance prepared by commissioners would be circulated to the public and the planning commission. Commissioners agreed to review a draft and aim to vote at the next meeting to send a resolution to the planning commission to set a public hearing.
No final approvals or votes on incentives or ordinance language occurred at the April 7 meeting; commissioners instructed staff to circulate drafts and continue negotiations with developers.
