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Superintendent warns PILOT for Somerset Solar would cut Barker school revenue by roughly half over 20 years
Summary
Dr. Reimer told trustees a PILOT could mean about $229,000 per year to the district versus higher tax-roll revenue, creating an estimated $5.573 million under a PILOT versus $11.625 million if fully taxed over 20 years; trustees discussed attending the NCIDA hearing March 11.
Superintendent Dr. Reimer briefed the Barker Central School District Board on March 9 about an impending NCIDA public hearing regarding Somerset Solar and potential agency financial assistance.
Dr. Reimer estimated that under a PILOT the district would receive approximately $229,000 per year over 20 years, compared with about $578,000 per year on the tax roll — a difference that yields roughly $5.573 million under the PILOT versus $11.625 million if the project were taxed conventionally over 20 years. He told trustees he did not want to advocate for or against the application but intended to present the financial impact on the district and recommended presenting factual consequences to the NCIDA hearing. "He noted that the NCIDA can approve this without the approval of the school," the minutes record, and trustees debated strategy.
Board members expressed differing views: Miss Mason said she was disappointed the town was not working more closely with the district; Mr. Sweeney, Jr. voiced opposition to NCIDA PILOTs generally and stated he believed the plant should be on the tax roll. The board agreed administrators should present factual impact information at the hearing on March 11 and monitor follow-up.
