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Henderson County releases most of Unbridled Solar's road-damage deposit after finding one repair below standard; developers' questions on moratorium halted
Summary
The fiscal court approved returning $156,698.75 of a $163,500 damage deposit to Unbridled Solar after county engineers found one ditch and culvert repair did not meet standards; a Stellar Renewable Power representative sought discussion of a solar moratorium but County Attorney Steve Gold declined further comment without counsel present.
County Engineer Nick Stallings told the Fiscal Court that all solar companies working in Henderson County are required to post a road-damage deposit to guarantee repair of county roads after construction. He said Unbridled Solar posted a $163,500.00 deposit on Jan. 23, 2024 and that the company has completed much of the required roadwork, including repairs on Spencer Thornsberry, Old Knoblick, Coal Mine, Hanley, Peddler McDonald and W.N. Royster roads.
Stallings reported, however, that a ditch and culvert repair on Spencer Thornsberry Road was not completed to the county's standards. The court approved releasing the damage deposit to Unbridled Solar minus $6,801.25, for a refund of $156,698.75. Magistrate Southard moved to release the deposit and Magistrate Starks seconded; the motion carried by voice vote with all present voting in favor.
During public-comment time, Stephen Land of Stellar Renewable Power (the project owner since 2024 for a project on Highway 425) asked about whether a current county solar moratorium applies to his project. County Attorney Steve Gold advised that it would be inappropriate for the court to continue that discussion without Stellar's attorneys present and cautioned that continued conversation with Mr. Gold present could violate Kentucky Bar Association ethics rules; Judge Schneider agreed to avoid further discussion at that time.
Resident Shannon Hill asked whether damage-deposit rules cover vegetative buffers as well as roads and whether the county could issue a stop order for permit violations. Judge Schneider said he would contact County Codes Administrator Randy Tasa to determine whether any permits had been violated and report back.
The court's action on the Unbridled refund completes the road-deposit review for that project; the judge's follow-up with the codes administrator could lead to further administrative steps if permit violations are identified.
