County discusses proactive economic development steps and cautions on solar projects' legacy costs

Ashland County supervisors used the economic development standing item to discuss zoning changes and outreach that could encourage clustered, small-scale industrial and construction-related businesses while preserving farmland.

Committee members said access to water (drilled wells) and shared septic/mound systems were frequent barriers to development in parts of the county and suggested the county prepare 1–2 page guidance materials for townships and prospective developers describing shared infrastructure options and permitted uses. "If you can't get water, do you really wanna build there?" one supervisor said, urging attention to shared-well strategies.

Members also examined unsolicited solar-development materials from Renewable Energy Systems offering roughly $800 per acre per year as a lease payment and discussed whether local lenders and contractors have capacity to participate in locally led projects rather than outside developers capturing profits. The committee stressed utility involvement and statutory limits: staff noted that only cities or villages can create TIF districts or issue tax credits, and that a utility (Xcel or Bayfield Electric) must approve interconnection plans.

A recurring concern was the end-of-life legacy costs for large solar installations. Supervisors asked staff to require bonding or other assurances to ensure land restoration at project end and agreed to invite Xcel Energy to the zoning committee to discuss interconnection and siting criteria.