Linn County commissioners voted 2-1 to pay a $33,003.22 invoice from the Sifkin firm (referred to in the record as Austin Sifkin) for consulting work related to solar panel conditional-use permits.

County leaders discussed the invoice during executive session and reviewed the consultant's deliverables and behind-the-scenes work. A commissioner stated the county should pay the bill and maintain a constructive relationship with the firm; another commissioner expressed concern about the unclear benefits from the work. The motion to pay the invoice passed 2-1.

The county will pay the invoice and continue to work with the consultant on solar permitting matters as needed.