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County to pay legal fees from developer intervenor funds to contest some energy projects
Summary
San Juan County authorized a legal-services agreement July 21 to allow the county to intervene in alternative energy proceedings before the Michigan Public Service Commission when townships request assistance; intervenor funds (about $75,000) are provided by developers, not county taxpayers.
The San Juan County Board of Commissioners voted July 21 to enter a legal-services agreement that would allow the county, as an effective local unit, to intervene in alternative energy development proceedings before the Michigan Public Service Commission when requested by townships.
Chairman Black and staff explained the agreement would not use county taxpayer funds. "This is no taxpayer funds utilized for this intervention," Chairman Black said, adding that developers provide an intervenor allocation (the county receives about $75,000 per matter to cover legal work). The county would intervene only when a township asks for assistance and would not unilaterally join proceedings.
Board discussion clarified that the work the county's law firm would perform on behalf of the county would mirror work provided to a township and that intervenor funds are intended to cover the legal expense. The motion passed by voice vote. The board referenced Public Act 233 and said the county's status as an effective local unit supports the authority to intervene; the contract specifically contemplates representation before the Michigan Public Service Commission.
