Commissioners table proposed 26.5-acre solar farm after multiple residents oppose plan

The Tift County Board of Commissioners on Monday voted unanimously to table for 30 days a petition to allow a 26.5-acre solar farm at 4192 GA Highway 125 North.

The petition (TC-ZA-23-01) was filed by owner Mark Fletcher and represented by agent Nick Stein of Inman Solar. Development Support Services staff said the parcel (Tax Map 0057 Parcel 008) is zoned AG (agriculture) and that the county’s newly adopted solar farm ordinance requires a special exception that the board must approve.

The board opened a public hearing after the Planning Commission recommended approval of the project by a 4–1 vote. Stein spoke in favor of the application. At least 11 residents and representatives—including Dustin Griffin, Emma Sommers of Accelerated Builders, Justin Beck, Shane Hudson, Jordan Pope, Scott Shiver, Fortson Turner, Tony Reed, Cami Beck and Peter North—came forward and spoke in opposition, citing concerns recorded in the hearing transcript (opposition remarks were not transcribed verbatim). County Attorney Anthony Rowell closed the public hearing after attendees finished commenting.

Commissioner Stan Stalnaker moved to table consideration of the application for 30 days to give the applicant time to present an alternate plan; Commissioner Greg Wood seconded. The motion carried 5–0, with Commissioners Tony McBrayer, Paul Webb, Greg Wood, Donnie Hester and Stan Stalnaker voting yes; Commissioners Fred “Buck” Rigdon and Melissa Hughes were absent.

What happens next: the applicant is expected to return within 30 days with an alternate plan or additional information for the board’s consideration. No formal approval or denial occurred at the Feb. 13 meeting.