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Commissioners stand by denial of event‑venue permit as court sends case back for findings; public raises BESS lease questions
Summary
The Board confirmed the three commissioners who denied conditional-use Case CU 25-02 will issue findings after a court remand; public commenters urged approval of the event venue and raised separate questions about a reported battery energy storage system lease.
The Butler County Board of Commissioners confirmed that Commissioners Marc Murphy, Kelly Herzet and Darren Jackson stand by their denial of conditional-use application CU 25-02 for an event venue at 6333 SW Santa Fe Lake Road, Augusta, after a court ordered the Board to issue findings. Community Development Director Toby Stewart reviewed the case record and transcripts; County Counselor Terrence Huelskamp said he will draft a formal pleading to file with the court for Board review next week.
During public comment, Karen Reed urged the Board to allow the conditional-use permit; the County Counselor told commissioners they could not discuss the pending court matter during the meeting. Resident Sarah Hinshaw also asked how long the County had been discussing battery energy storage systems (BESS) with Sunco International and whether Sunco had leased land near Benton. Commission Chair Marc Murphy replied, "the County has not spoken with Sunco International and knows nothing about a lease." Stewart added staff had been informed about a possible lease the prior afternoon but reported no permit applications had been submitted.
No Board action was taken on the permit at the meeting; the court-directed findings by the three dissenting commissioners will be prepared as the next procedural step. The Board deferred further discussion while the matter remains before the courts.
