Osage County adopts updated comprehensive plan; codifies ban on commercial wind and solar

The Osage County Commission adopted a resolution on June 24 adopting the comprehensive plan for the unincorporated portions of Osage County and made two amendments: a correction on page 15 to state Olivet purchases water from Rural Water Number 3, and removal of bullet 0.5 on page 84. The motion (Resolution 2025-15) was made, seconded and approved with commissioners voting "Aye." Motion carries.

Why it matters: The commission said the updated plan formally incorporates a policy adopted roughly two to three years ago that prohibits commercial wind and commercial solar developments in unincorporated parts of the county. Residents and landowners urged the commission to tighten lease language, preserve township input and protect roads and agricultural land if utility-scale renewable projects later reappear in applications.

Public comments before the vote raised concerns about large renewable-energy projects and gaps in county controls. Jim Foster of Carbondale, a landowner and frequent commenter, urged the county to revise leases and pilot agreements associated with companies such as NextEra so landowners and regulators do not surrender authority. "We've got to be looking at that. Why you would give up your ability to regulate is beyond me," Foster said.

Another resident who identified himself as Joe, who said he lives south of Osage City on Harris Road, described possible environmental and disposal problems from large-scale solar farms. "It's almost like covering the earth with concrete," Joe said, and warned of runoff, broken panels from storms and eventual disposal costs when panels reach end of life.

Support for approving the plan came from several local participants. Diane Hamm asked the commission to approve the comprehensive plan as submitted June 17, saying the draft addressed earlier concerns. Planning staff member Tricia Webb described two minor edits proposed by staff and a suggested change to water-source wording on page 15. Staff also recommended removing a line about county-funded recycling pickup on page 84 after questions about program costs.

Commissioners clarified scope: the plan formalizes an existing county-level prohibition on commercial wind and solar that was adopted in policy two to three years earlier, and that prohibition will be reflected in the document if the resolution passes. The commission noted that activity or interest may exist on private land, but because the use is listed as "prohibited" there is currently no permit route for new commercial wind or solar in unincorporated Osage County.

The commission voted to adopt Resolution 2025-15 with the two stated edits. The motion was seconded and carried on the commission's voice vote.

Next steps: The resolution adoption places the edited comprehensive plan into effect for unincorporated Osage County. Commissioners and staff said they will continue outreach to townships and cities as part of implementation, and residents who raised specific permit or road-maintenance concerns were told to pursue individual inquiries with county staff.

Ending note: Comments at the hearing asked the commission to examine PILOT (payment-in-lieu-of-taxes) arrangements, lease terms and road maintenance agreements for any future large projects; staff and the commission acknowledged those are separate regulatory and contract processes that may require additional review if and when specific projects are proposed.