Public commenters urge both extension and end of Montezuma County solar moratorium; county attorney schedules public hearing
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Summary
Two members of the public offered contrasting views during the Oct. 14 public comment period: one urged extending a county solar moratorium to allow more planning time, the other urged lifting it. County Attorney said staff would publish notice for a Nov. 18 public hearing on proposed regulations or a new moratorium.
During the Oct. 14 public comment period at the Montezuma County Board of County Commissioners meeting, two local residents offered opposing views about the county's temporary moratorium on large‑scale solar development.
Alan Mades, identified during public comment, urged the board to consider extending the moratorium beyond its scheduled expiration so planning staff and Planning and Zoning could gather more information and evaluate additional energy options. He said concern about a rush of applicants seeking government grant money was a reason to allow more time for planning.
David Paradise, who also spoke during public comment, urged the board to allow the moratorium to end so citizens and local volunteers could help educate the public and evaluate projects.
Separately, the county attorney told the board staff would post notice for a Nov. 18 public hearing. The attorney said the hearing would be used to consider either land‑use code revisions or enacting a new moratorium, and noted the existing moratorium was slated to expire the following day. The county attorney also said planning is preparing a draft for the commissioners' review and that the hearing notice must meet 14‑day posting requirements.
Ending: The board did not take immediate action on the moratorium during the Oct. 14 meeting; staff signaled a formal hearing process beginning with a Nov. 18 public hearing and a draft to be provided to the commissioners in advance.