Silvis council fails to override mayor’s veto on $325,674 solar project

On July 16, 2024, the Silvis City Council voted 5–3 in favor of proceeding with a proposed municipal solar panel project worth $325,674, but the measure failed to overturn Mayor Matt Carter’s veto because it did not reach the supermajority required to override a mayoral veto.

The motion to approve moving forward with the solar project was made by Alderman Rick Lohse and seconded by Alderman Joshua Dyer. The roll-call vote was: Alderman Tony Trulson — Yes; Alderman Bob Cervantes — No; Alderman Doug Greer — No; Alderman Craig Pirmann — Yes; Alderman Rick Lohse — Yes; Alderman David Rice — No; Alderman Joshua Dyer — Yes; Alderwoman Chrissy Winters — Yes. Although five council members voted in favor, the attempt to override the mayor’s veto failed because it did not reach the higher threshold required to overturn a veto.

The solar project had been unanimously moved from the Committee of the Whole to the July 16 Regular meeting earlier the same evening. At the Committee of the Whole session Alderman Rick Lohse moved to place the item on the Regular agenda and the committee approved that motion 8–0.

During aldermen comments after staff reports, Alderman Joshua Dyer criticized the council for failing to secure the solar project, calling it “a gigantic opportunity that was missed” and arguing that the incentives available now would not be available later. Dyer added, “I think the citizens should go shopping for new Alderman and a new Mayor next time.”

The council did not announce immediate next steps for the proposal following the failed override. The Regular meeting adjourned at 8:29 p.m.