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Marlboro County approves inducement resolution for proposed $160M solar project despite one dissent and one abstention
Summary
Council approved Resolution #11-25-01 to allow a proposed $160 million private solar project known as 'Project Cranberry Cousins' to pursue a fee-in-lieu of ad valorem taxes agreement; vote was 5–1–1 after debate about local impacts and the need for a stronger solar policy.
Marlboro County Council voted to approve Resolution #11-25-01 on Nov. 13, adopting an inducement resolution to enable a privately led renewable-energy investment identified in the meeting record as Project Cranberry Cousins to qualify for a fee-in-lieu of ad valorem taxes agreement and related incentives.
Economic Development Director Tonny McNeil described the proposal as "a $160 million project dealing with solar farms and renewable energy," and told council members the development would be privately owned and considered green energy. "This would be a thirty year contract," he said, and staff said the county could expect roughly $4,000 per megawatt in revenue under the terms discussed, though detailed contractual terms would be negotiated later.
The inducement resolution drew objection from Council member Jason Steen, who said he opposed solar farms in part because local farmers reported adverse impacts. Dr. Damien Johnson said the county needed a strong solar policy to guide future decisions. County Administrator Wilson A. Clyburn said staff would seek reassurances and that the county would not proceed to a final agreement without additional information.
Motion and vote: Mr. Charles P. Midgley, Jr. moved to approve Resolution #11-25-01 and Dr. Damien Johnson seconded. The council vote was recorded as: Midgley, Johnson, Chair Anthony Woods, Lafayette Jackson and Steve Blackmon in favor; Jason Steen opposed; Pearly Lawson abstained. The motion carried, 5–1–1.
The resolution is an inducement step that permits the project to pursue a fee-in-lieu agreement under South Carolina law (Title 12, Chapter 44); it is not a final tax agreement. Council members said more detailed terms and community impacts would be addressed in later contractual negotiations.
