Commissioners discuss creating a county financing authority and note a second battery-storage inquiry

During the Aug. 26 meeting, commissioners heard from a board member who relayed advice from the county’s jail financing underwriter: Hart County should authorize a financing authority now so it is available for future capital projects and to preserve favorable credit treatment.

Why it matters: The underwriter said authorizing a financing authority requires a county resolution and legislative approval and recommended acting by December to be positioned for spring legislative consideration. The speaker told the board the county previously lost a credit rating point during a lease-back process; having a financing authority could reduce borrowing costs on future projects.

Board discussion focused on next steps. Commissioners said they did not expect to appoint a financing authority board immediately but wanted authorization placed on a future agenda for further study and to consult a legislative representative before taking formal action. One commissioner suggested tabling any decision if no near-term capital projects are planned.

Separately, the speaker reported an owner had contacted the county about a second battery energy storage facility potentially sited on a tract that would require evacuation of a nearby school in the event of an incident. The speaker reiterated past practice of using business-license requirements as a limited tool; under county business-license authority, the board can refuse a license only if a proposed operation would threaten public health, safety or welfare.

Next steps: The board reached a consensus to review the financing-authority concept further and to place it on an upcoming agenda for more detailed consideration. Commissioners asked staff to consult with the county’s legislative liaison and to bring back information on the financing-authority process and timeline.