Board hears easement terms tied to Hecate solar project; supervisor seeks to earmark proceeds for Samuel Drive

County staff presented an easement and option agreement tied to the Hecate solar project previously approved in March 2024, recommending the county authorize the county administrator to execute the agreement that would allow a distribution connection to a Dominion substation. Staff described the easement as roughly 80 feet wide by about 90 feet long totaling approximately 1.65 acres and said the agreement includes agricultural-use language and provisions for timber revenue and road restoration.

Staff described the financial terms: the agreement referenced an option payment schedule including an initial option payment of $10,000 within 45 days of execution, option payments of roughly $10,000 in years two through four and $5,000 in years five through seven, and an aggregate option figure and option payment amounts (transcribed as $78,400 and an option payment of $55,000 in the packet). The option period would expire on 04/30/2030, after which option payments would cease if the option is exercised; if the project terminates the county would not be required to return option payments.

A supervisor whose district includes Samuel Drive said the road is repeatedly damaged by traffic to the transfer station and, while historically opposed to the project, moved to approve the easement on condition that any monies from the lease or sale be earmarked to pay for Samuel Drive repairs. The applicant’s representative said all private landowners in the area who wished to be involved are participating and that the proposed easement provides the necessary path to distribution. The board set the CUP 25-03 (Arcola Towers) for public hearing on Feb. 10, 2026.