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Kenosha County sees $375,000 windfall from Paris solar farm use-conversion charges
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Summary
County treasurer told supervisors a spike in "use conversion" charges this year is driven by a solar farm in the town of Paris, producing roughly $375,000 for Kenosha County and a similar amount for Paris. Supervisors approved the treasurer's budget after the explanation.
The Kenosha County treasurer told the County Board that a nearly $397,000 year-to-date increase in use-conversion charges reflects one large solar farm project in the town of Paris, not a routine revenue source.
The treasurer said the conversion charge applies when property leaves agricultural use and receives a reduced assessment; state-level debate had left uncertainty about whether electric-generation sites would be chargeable. The county determined the charge applies to these parcels, producing roughly $750,000 in conversion fees split between Paris and the county, or about $375,000 to each jurisdiction, the treasurer said.
The treasurer also recommended modest reductions elsewhere in the revenue forecast, forecasting lower interest earnings and reduced interest-and-penalty receipts because fewer taxpayers are going delinquent this year. Supervisors asked clarifying questions about how conversion fees compared to historical levels for that line—typically about $60,000 per year—and were told the solar project explains the large one-time increase.
After discussion, Supervisor Gearston moved approval of the treasurer's budget; Supervisor Nudo seconded and the board approved the budget by voice vote.
County officials cautioned supervisors that the solar-related conversion fees are an irregular windfall and should not be treated as recurring revenue in future budgets.
