Salisbury Township committee tables proposed third‑party solar agreement after legal review

Administration briefed the committee on a proposed third‑party solar arrangement that had been hurried toward a December 31 signature. Counsel for both the district and the vendor (McClure) raised substantive concerns about contract language, notably a large early‑termination fee that would remain near or above $1 million until after 16 years, potential tax exposure, and no robust protection for the district in the event of a major change in law altering solar economics.

The staff report said financing terms that made the proposal attractive initially did not materialize. "This felt like a very rushed moment to get everything in before December 31 and signed," one staff speaker said, and legal review led administration to recommend pausing. Committee members asked whether staff should look for other vendors or pursue a non‑financed option with McClure; staff recommended tabling the contract while continuing passive monitoring of incentives and market changes.

Several members expressed support for continued due diligence but emphasized the district should not rush into a deal without clearer protections or better incentives. One committee member said continuing to "passively search" and have staff notify the board if attractive incentives appear would be appropriate.

The committee agreed to table the proposal for now; staff will watch for new incentives and may revive negotiations if terms become materially better.

Next steps: administration will continue market monitoring and report back if a viable opportunity with acceptable legal terms appears.