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WCIDA board approves initial resolution for WO Walworth Solar LLC PILOT, staff to finish cost‑benefit analysis
Summary
The Wayne County IDA board approved an initial project resolution for a 4‑megawatt WO Walworth Solar LLC project in the Town of Walworth, allowing staff to complete a cost‑benefit analysis and schedule a public hearing. Board members raised concerns about farmland use, battery storage and decommissioning plans.
The WCIDA board approved an initial project resolution on April 20 that acknowledges an application from WO Walworth Solar LLC for a 4‑megawatt solar project in the Town of Walworth and authorizes staff to complete a cost‑benefit analysis and proceed to a public hearing. The project is planned for a single parcel and would use approximately 20 acres; the application requests a sales‑tax exemption and a payment‑in‑lieu‑of‑taxes (PILOT).
Katie Bronson, Deputy Director, introduced the application and told the board the project is for "a 4‑Megawatt project in the Town of Walworth" that would "use approximately 20 acres of that parcel" and seeks a sales tax exemption and PILOT. Kaye Stone‑Gansz moved to approve the initial resolution; Julie DiLella seconded, and the motion carried with all present recorded as approving.
Board members emphasized local permitting and long‑term site responsibilities. Pamela Heald asked to "go on the record saying she does not love solar," and Brian Pincelli, Executive Director, said he "encourages local municipalities to use their zoning code to manage or restrict solar development." Members noted potential impacts when solar occupies prime farmland and public land; Kenneth VanFleet urged a comprehensive approach including battery storage considerations. Mark Humbert, Interim County Administrator, raised concerns that aging solar installations could deteriorate and become derelict properties.
Pincelli also cited county planning controls: the county's agricultural and farmland protection plan identifies a cap on solar, and WCIDA applies an additional fee for projects on prime soils; staff said they will check PILOT participants' adherence to decommissioning plans during reporting periods and noted that projects under 5 megawatts are considered local while those above 5 megawatts are treated as utility‑scale and go to the state. The board's approval of the initial resolution permits staff to complete required analyses and to schedule the public hearing before any final PILOT decision is made.
