Pulaski County commissioners discuss 7‑month solar moratorium and seek proof of developer payments

Pulaski County commissioners debated recommending a seven‑month moratorium on commercial solar projects and battery energy storage systems and asked staff to confirm whether Mammoth Solar and Moss Creek Solar paid fees the county’s agreements required.

Supporters said a temporary pause would give the county time to revise ordinances and perform an economic‑impact review; opponents warned changes would not apply to already‑permitted projects. Commissioners and staff also discussed a discrepancy raised by residents about $120,000 and $105,000 in consultant‑related payments that, according to the contracts, should have been invoiced to and routed through the county.

County Attorney Jacob said, "And, yes, you are correct that the laws recently changed on the moratorium that caps it, at a year." He advised that a moratorium proposal would go to the Area Planning Commission for its review and recommendation before returning to the commissioners for action.

Commissioners who supported a pause said ordinances governing siting, setbacks, fencing and pre‑construction studies need clearer language after recent project experience. One commissioner sought a shorter, seven‑month recommendation with a built‑in option to extend up to the one‑year statutory cap if progress required more time.

On developer payments, a county staff member said the county had "received approximately $670,000 plus or minus between Moss Creek and Mammoth," but commissioners and residents pressed for documentary proof of the specific $120,000 (Mammoth) and $105,000 (Moss Creek) line items identified in the economic development agreements. A staff member offered to request proof of payment from the outside consultants mentioned in the contracts and said they would provide documentation to the commissioners.

Commissioners emphasized two points from the discussion: an ordinance moratorium would not change the rules that apply to projects already approved under current permits, and transparency about where consultant and legal fees were paid was necessary for public accountability. No binding moratorium ordinance was adopted at the meeting; a commissioner made a motion to "recommend a 7 month moratorium," but the transcript does not record a formal countywide adoption of a moratorium at that session.

The commissioners directed staff to gather documentation showing the flow of consultant and legal payments tied to the Mammoth and Moss Creek economic agreements and to route any moratorium proposal through the Area Planning Commission for its input.

The issue is likely to return to the commission after staff gathers invoices and proof of payment and after the APC considers any moratorium recommendation.