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Committee keeps economic development and solar siting on the agenda; Xcel involvement and statutory limits noted
Summary
The committee agreed to make economic development a standing item and discussed zoning, shared wells/septic for clustered development, and interest from solar developers. Members noted that interconnection requires Xcel Energy involvement and counties cannot issue tax-increment financing (TIF) or tax credits without partnering cities or legislative change.
Ashland County’s finance committee agreed to keep economic development as a standing agenda item and discussed several policy levers to encourage clustered commercial and residential growth, including shared wells, shared septic systems, and consolidated driveways to create industrial‑park style sites.
A member reported receiving packets from Renewable Energy Systems offering approximately $800 per acre for land near high‑voltage lines; the committee discussed the potential economic benefit and the need to protect against legacy costs at end of life. Members emphasized that any solar project would need cooperation from the utility for interconnection—the committee called for inviting Xcel Energy to a future zoning meeting to discuss feasibility and connection requirements.
Staff noted a statutory constraint: counties may not create TIF districts or issue tax credits—only cities and villages have those authorities—so county incentives would need city or village partnership or state statute changes. Committee members also raised concerns about bonding or other assurances to cover decommissioning costs so panels would be removed and land restored at end of a project’s life.
Committee members said they will continue outreach to utilities and zoning staff, study examples (e.g., nearby counties’ large installations) and consider technical assistance and local financing options if feasible.
Next steps: invite Xcel Energy (or utility representatives) to the zoning meeting; prepare short guidance on shared infrastructure for small-business applicants; study statutory options for municipal partnerships and bonding for decommissioning.
