Public speaker says utility is pursuing eminent domain; commissioners reiterate earlier solar approval and plan advisory committee

During the public-comment period, Carrie Giblets, identifying herself as representing the Elbert County Environmental Alliance, addressed the board about a transmission/solar project the speaker said is seeking easements and threatening landowners’ rights.

Giblets said 44% of affected landowners have signed lease options and alleged that the utility is using the threat of eminent domain to obtain easements. She also said about 56% of affected landowners are spending savings and retirement funds to oppose the project and claimed easement language would restrict land use, including prohibiting livestock shelters, caretaker housing, cultivation and fencing within easements.

"We are asking you to please protect the rights of Elbert County's landowners from this forcible taking of our land for Xcel's profits," Giblets said (transcript spelled the utility name as "Excel"). She cited a May 2023 report by the Independence Institute arguing that utility infrastructure build-outs can increase profits if state regulators approve investments; Giblets used that to argue the project benefits the utility more than local landowners.

The board chairman (name not specified in the record) used chairman's privilege to address the county's recent vote on a solar project (approved at a prior meeting, according to the chairman). He acknowledged community concern but defended the board's prior decision, citing the project’s role in improving reliability and stabilizing consumer costs and saying it could reduce the risk of rolling blackouts during peak summer and winter months. He also said the project would create about 200 construction jobs and some permanent positions and that the county would receive revenue the board could use for local infrastructure projects such as bridge and road repairs.

The chairman said the county plans to appoint an advisory committee for the solar project to include local residents and people with utility experience to advise on aesthetics and access-road standards. He also said the company and county would work together on aesthetics and access roads and warned that threats to his family over the issue would be reported to law enforcement.

The transcript records these claims and statements but does not include new formal action or a new vote on the solar project during this meeting. The chair referenced a prior approval; the transcript here does not provide the earlier meeting's motion text or vote tally.