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Pennington County holds lengthy hearing on draft alternative-energy rules as appraisal office details tax effects
Summary
County commissioners heard hours of testimony on a proposed ordinance regulating large solar and wind projects; Department of Equalization explained how nameplate and production taxes flow to county and school funds and how that affects state aid. The board continued the hearing to Dec. 16 and scheduled public forums.
Pennington County commissioners spent much of their Nov. 4 meeting taking public testimony and technical briefings on a draft ordinance that would govern large-scale solar and wind projects across the county.
Why it matters: supporters said the ordinance balances community protections with a predictable permitting path for projects; opponents said setbacks, environmental protections and decommissioning rules need more work. The Department of Equalization’s presentation clarified how centrally assessed renewable taxes are distributed among counties and school districts — a frequent point of confusion among residents and elected officials.
Planning staff brought Ordinance OA25‑16 to the commission after a months‑long task…
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