County finance committee backs higher solar-farm fees, annual inspection charge

Unidentified Speaker 6, reporting for the finance committee, proposed changing the county—s solar-farm permit fees to align with a recently enacted state standard.

"What we're proposing is basically up to the maximum allowed by, suggested by the state of $5,000 per megawatt, and then also adding an annual inspection fee of $10,000," Speaker 6 said, and moved the committee—s recommendation to the board.

The proposal would also set a minimum application acreage (committee discussion mentioned 20—625 acres at different points). Speaker 6 said the inspection fee would be deposited to the county general fund and that the county would decide whether to have county staff perform inspections or hire an outside inspector after reviewing sample ordinances.

Speaker 4 asked who would perform inspections and where the fee revenue would go; Speaker 6 responded the money would go into county general and suggested using county staff (naming a staffer, "Danny," as a likely option) but said the question required further discussion once sample ordinances and the updated state law are reviewed.

The committee cited recent state guidance saying fees in the range of "$5,000 per megawatt not to exceed a $125,000" would be considered reasonable; the finance committee recommended the local ordinance reflect that guidance.

No final ordinance was adopted at the meeting; Speaker 6 said the board will review the model language from the state and the Illinois association of county boards before returning with formal ordinance language and any necessary fee adjustments.