Commissioners approve per‑megawatt surcharge for energy projects

Morrow County commissioners voted to amend the county fee schedule to clarify that the per‑megawatt amount charged to energy facilities is a surcharge rather than an additional fee, a change staff said is intended to generate revenue for the general fund.

“For the record, Tamara Mavitt, planning director,” Mavitt told the board and then explained the change: “the per megawatt surcharge for energy facilities, is indeed a surcharge, not an additional fee.” Commissioners probed how the charge is applied (examples included a $500/MW rate that could yield $500,000 for a 1,000‑MW project) and debated whether the county should conduct a cost‑allocation study to justify fee structure or instead adopt caps for very large projects. One commissioner noted the county’s practice of returning surcharge revenue to the general fund; another suggested using some of the revenue to fund a cost‑allocation study.

The board approved the amendment by voice vote after brief discussion and confirmation that the planning office will provide supporting spreadsheets and follow‑up details. The decision clarifies administration of the planning fee schedule and leaves technical follow‑up — including any formal cost allocation study or cap — for staff to present at a later date.