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Council advances amendments to Oconee Conservation Bank ordinance amid disagreement over Duke Energy funding scope
Summary
On first reading Council approved Ordinance 2025-12 to broaden permitted uses of the Oconee County Conservation Bank; the motion passed 3–1 after debate over whether Duke Energy funds are limited to land easements or usable for broader conservation initiatives.
Oconee County Council held first reading May 20 on Ordinance 2025-12, which would amend the county’s Conservation Bank ordinance (O.C. Code §§2-398—2-409) to allow broader conservation uses of the bank’s funds.
Councilman John Elliott said he spoke with Duke Energy in Charlotte, who told him that current Conservation Bank funds and any future funds "are for land conservation, strictly," and he stated he would vote against the ordinance. Chairman Matthew Durham said he read the memorandum of agreement between the county and Duke Energy and found the language to reference "conservation initiatives," which he said did not explicitly limit uses to conservation easements. Councilman Thomas James said the memorandum seemed broad, while Councilman Don Mize supported the proposed amendment. The motion to approve first reading passed 3–1, with Elliott opposed.
The debate focused on the intended scope of Duke Energy-provided funds and how the county might use Conservation Bank money going forward. Council did not take final action; the ordinance was advanced on first reading and may return for additional consideration.
