County hears pitch for ordinance to require local labor on solar projects
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Summary
A union representative presented a model agreement used in Indiana and urged Edgar County to adopt ordinance language requiring local hiring on solar, wind and battery projects; board members agreed to seek legal guidance before drafting language.
Kevin Baker, who identified himself as "Kevin Baker with the Operators Flight 41," urged the Edgar County board to consider an ordinance or memorandum of understanding that would push contractors on solar projects to hire local union labor.
"It's gonna guarantee you and your residents that it will be local union laborers there," Kevin Baker said, describing a model used in Sullivan County, Indiana. He said the approach would reduce the use of out-of-area migrant crews and help local restaurants, auto dealers and households when workers spend pay locally.
Board members asked staff to consult on the legal strength of such language. "I'd be happy to do so," said an unidentified board member who volunteered to contact an advisor named Andy Keith and report back to the board. Members discussed applying any stronger wording not only to solar but also to wind and stand-alone battery projects.
Speakers cited examples of nearby projects staffed by out-of-area crews and noted a prevailing-wage figure mentioned in the discussion of roughly $18.19 per hour. One presenter estimated there are 62 members of the crafts in Edgar County and said that projects done with local labor have produced hundreds of local hires in nearby counties.
No ordinance was introduced or voted on at the meeting. Board members agreed to follow up with legal counsel and return with draft language for consideration at a future meeting.