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Commissioners direct staff to compile permits for wind turbines, solar farms and substations for 2021'125
Summary
After extended discussion, the board directed county staff to provide all permits related to wind turbines, solar farms and associated substations for 2021'125; commissioners and staff clarified it is not a FOIA and discussed workload and delivery timing.
The Gratiot County Board of Commissioners voted to direct county staff to gather and provide permits for any wind turbines, solar farms and associated substations built in Gratiot County during 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025.
Commissioner Jan Bunting requested the records and described concerns about permit counts and tax revenue trends. Bunting said she wanted “a copy of all the wind turbines” permits and later confirmed the request should include solar permits and substations for 2021'125. County staff clarified the board-directed request is not a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) production because the materials sought are public records and would not require the redaction process that triggers FOIA review.
Staff and commissioners discussed the expected workload. Staff said earlier, broader requests (covering 2010 onward) had been time-consuming and that a narrowed date range would reduce staff hours; commissioners suggested staff provide partial results as they are available rather than wait for a single large package. Commissioner Bunting offered to review records on-site to reduce staff time; staff cautioned that records may not be fully digitized and some historical items may require more work.
The motion was moved by Commissioner Steve Sasse and supported by Commissioner Jan Bunting. The board voted to direct staff to provide the requested permits; the motion carried. Staff said they would begin searching the specified years and provide materials as available and would report back with an estimate of staff time needed at the next board meeting if required.
On the record, staff advised that permit records should include permit numbers, permit holders and addresses, and that tax information can be gathered from online tax sources; commissioners discussed comparing permit counts to tax receipts for the same years if discrepancies emerge. No formal investigation or enforcement action was initiated by the board at this meeting; commissioners said that if credible evidence of wrongdoing is found later, it would be referred to an appropriate investigative authority.
