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Residents urge caution as commissioners consider moratorium on solar farms and battery storage
Summary
Public commenters raised safety and tax-allocation concerns about a proposed moratorium on solar farms and battery storage; the plan commission and county attorney said the pause would allow research and potential ordinance changes before permitting development.
Bob Lyons, a resident and renewable-energy supporter, spoke in opposition to rushing policy decisions while urging a balanced review of battery storage safety and economic impacts. Lyons noted economic development benefits and asked commissioners to hear both sides before endorsing incentives.
Wes Schemenaur, county attorney, clarified the moratorium's intent: "The moratorium is not meant to put a halt forever, but to study the issue before any development is started in the county." He explained the plan commission would notice interested parties, review potential ordinance changes (setbacks, vegetation rules tied to fire risk) and return recommendations to the commissioners. Greg Miller, another resident, warned that creating a TIF around proposed solar farms could redirect increased assessed value to the Jay County Redevelopment Commission and yield limited local tax benefit for residents near the projects.
No final moratorium ordinance was adopted at the March 31 meeting; staff and the plan commission will proceed with study and public notice as part of the plan-commission process described by the attorney.
