Davis County Fiscal Court imposes year-long moratorium on solar energy projects

The Daviess County Fiscal Court convened on February 20, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including financial reports and a significant resolution regarding renewable energy systems.

The meeting commenced with a report from Treasurer Mr. Johnson, who presented the financial status as of January 31, 2025. The total cash balance across all funds was reported at $79,131,966.01, with the general fund balance at $47,688,142.07. Johnson noted that the variances in the report were normal and expected, primarily due to the seasonal receipt of property taxes during January and February.

Following the treasurer's report, the court moved to approve the minutes from the previous meeting held on February 4, 2025, which passed without objection. The court also approved all claims for various departments, confirming that all bills were due and payable.

A pivotal discussion arose regarding Resolution 03-2025, which proposed a temporary moratorium on wind and solar energy systems and solar panel installations. The resolution aims to provide the fiscal court with time to refine existing ordinances and regulations concerning these energy sources, which have not been updated in three years. The moratorium is set to last for 12 months, during which no applications for conditional use permits related to wind or solar energy will be processed.

Commissioner Cash expressed support for the moratorium, emphasizing the need to ensure that any future developments align with community interests and address potential impacts on property owners and the environment. Commissioner Marksberry raised concerns about the implications of such projects on flooding and infrastructure, advocating for a thorough examination of these issues before proceeding.

The court engaged in a detailed discussion about the nature of the resolution, clarifying that it serves as an expression of intent rather than a binding law. Commissioner Conder highlighted the importance of balancing economic development with community concerns, suggesting that the moratorium might delay necessary decisions.

Public input was solicited, with local resident Kimberly Demarest advocating for the moratorium. She raised concerns about the lack of protections in the current solar ordinance and the potential negative impacts of large-scale solar projects on property values and local infrastructure. Demarest argued that the moratorium would allow for a careful review of these issues, ensuring that future developments are beneficial for the community.

The court ultimately voted in favor of the moratorium, signaling a commitment to responsible development in the face of emerging renewable energy projects. The meeting concluded with a consensus on the importance of community engagement and thorough analysis in shaping future energy policies in Daviess County.