Committee approves 30‑year solar lease with 1 Energy Development LLC after amending rate to $1,000/acre
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Summary
After a closed‑session negotiation, the committee approved a 30‑year land lease and solar easement with 1 Energy Development LLC, adopting an amendment to increase the base lease rate from $800 to $1,000 per acre and retaining a 2% annual escalator.
The Green Bay Finance Committee approved a land lease and solar easement with 1 Energy Development LLC for Parcel 22‑SC‑513 on Jan. 27, following a closed‑session negotiation for competitive bargaining.
Committee members debated whether to conduct negotiations in closed session under Wisconsin Statutes §19.85/.851(e) and convened accordingly. After returning to open session, the developer’s representative confirmed that a current farmer could continue to farm portions of the parcel not used for solar arrays. A member moved to amend the lease rate from $800 per acre to $1,000 per acre for the 30‑year base term plus a 10‑year option, noting University of Wisconsin research showing average lease prices and the higher valuation when land is proximate to a substation. The member argued the amendment better compensates taxpayers for long‑term land use.
The member also supported retaining a 2% annual escalator. The amendment to $1,000 per acre passed by voice vote; the committee then approved the lease as amended. Staff said Exhibit B would be updated prior to construction to preserve farmable land and incorporate the negotiated boundaries.
The agreement authorizes staff to finalize the lease documents consistent with the approved amendment; construction and site design details will be confirmed in preconstruction documents.
