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Pocahontas County board adopts comprehensive plan amendment after split vote as residents raise solar concerns
Summary
The Pocahontas County Board of Supervisors approved an amendment to the 2025 County Comprehensive Plan on June 9, 2026, after a divided roll call vote; several residents raised concerns about solar farms and environmental impacts during the required public hearing.
The Pocahontas County Board of Supervisors voted June 9 to adopt an amendment to the county’s 2025 Comprehensive Plan after a public hearing at the courthouse in Pocahontas.
The amendment, advanced by the county Planning and Zoning Commission to incorporate two requested additions, passed as Resolution 2026-06-#28. Supervisors Clarence Siepker, Kyle Smith and Brent Aden voted in favor; Supervisor Peter Seehusen voted no, and Chairman Louis Stauter abstained. The board recorded no written objections prior to the hearing, and the clerk indicated proof of publication was provided.
During the hearing several residents voiced concerns about solar farms and potential environmental impacts associated with new development, asking the board to consider those effects as the county updates its land‑use guidance. The minutes record these comments but do not identify individual speakers by name in the transcript.
County officials explained the amendment reflects Planning and Zoning’s requested additions; the resolution and full amended plan are available through the Auditor’s office and on the county website. The board’s roll‑call split—three ayes, one nay, one abstention—indicates differing views among supervisors over the changes after public comment.
Next steps: the county posted that the full resolution can be requested from the Auditor’s office and that the amended plan is viewable online. The minutes do not record additional implementation steps or timelines tied to the amendment.
