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DeSoto Parish opts out of state solar siting rules, agrees to distribute $1,000,000 community benefit from Desiree pilot
Summary
The DeSoto Parish Police Jury voted to opt out of forthcoming state solar siting requirements and approved distributing community benefit payments and several cooperative endeavor agreements tied to the Desiree solar pilot project, including recognition of a $1,000,000 permit fee.
The DeSoto Parish Police Jury authorized multiple actions related to solar development and a local pilot project during its session. Jurors voted to opt out of the state’s new solar siting requirements and to continue regulating solar projects under the parish’s more comprehensive ordinance. Legal counsel told the jury the parish ordinance is "more comprehensive" and recommended opting out so the parish could retain its regulatory authority.
The jury also recognized and recorded a $1,000,000 permit fee negotiated with the Desiree Solar Pilot Program and authorized the treasurer to disburse community benefit payments according to the breakdown in Exhibit B. Multiple cooperative endeavor agreements (CEAs) were passed authorizing the President to sign disbursement agreements with local entities including the tax assessor, EMS, sheriff’s office, fire district, waterworks district and other recipients listed in the agenda packet.
Votes at a glance
- Resolution to opt out of statewide solar siting requirements — passed (roll call recorded). - Recognize $1,000,000 permit fee for Desiree Solar Pilot Program — passed (budget amendment recognized in committee). - Authorize treasurer to disburse community benefit payment — passed (roll call recorded). - Multiple CEAs to distribute community benefit payments to local entities — each motion passed by roll call.
Why it matters: Jurors said opting out preserves local land‑use control and allows the parish to retain more comprehensive standards than the incoming state rule. The $1,000,000 permit fee and the CEAs represent a one‑time revenue recognition and a set of local disbursements that will affect parish budgeting and program funding.
What jurors said: Legal counsel recommended the opt‑out, saying the local ordinance predated the state rule and is stricter. A staff member explained the $1,000,000 fee "was the negotiated rate that they asked for in the variance that we granted them" and that the fee is the parish's to keep.
Next steps: Several CEAs were signed for disbursement; staff will implement the transfers per Exhibit B and bring any required documentation to subsequent meetings. A public hearing and further administrative steps related to the overall Desiree project remain on the calendar.
