Board approves final levy allocation; allocates $1.5 million for event center solar project over objections

The Board of Commissioners voted to adopt a resolution finalizing allocation of Lancaster County's levy authority, a step county staff said would allow political subdivisions to complete their budget processes while keeping the county's levy under the 15¢ statutory cap. Dennis Meyer, budget and fiscal officer, told the board the overall levy would be about 13.3¢ and that the county's rate will decline due to higher valuation.

Discussion centered on an allocation of $1,500,000 earmarked for solar panels at the Lancaster Event Center. Supporters said the solar investment will help reduce long-term operating costs at the facility. "Putting solar energy panels on the event center will help their long term viability," one commissioner said during debate. A commissioner who opposed the allocation voted no, saying the county lacks a clear understanding of the project's exact construction scope and return on investment. "I think it falls short of the transparency and deliberate decision making that our county expects from us," the opposing commissioner said before casting a no vote. The motion passed with four votes in favor and one opposed.