Lee County officials reviewed terms they plan to use to protect local roads and assure decommissioning for small-scale solar projects, including a proposed $50,000 collateral deposit and a choice of financial-security instruments for decommissioning costs.

David (public works/roads staff) described the road use agreement being negotiated for a solar project on Reynolds Road, saying developers would "put up $50,000" and "they'll deposit that into our treasury." He said the deposit would first cover attorney fees or consultant costs if necessary and then serve as collateral for any road damages; any unused funds would be returned to the developer. The anticipated local route to the project would be off Route 251 and down Reynolds Road, David said, and the agreement would set expectations for traffic control, permits and fines for violations such as failing to secure an overweight permit or leaving a designated route.

David also told the board that certificate of liability insurance, indemnification language and local adjudication (Lee County, Fifteenth Circuit) are included in the draft agreement. The board discussed the need to notify officials and county representatives when permits are issued so board members can answer public inquiries.

Separately, Alice (zoning/building staff) told the board that the county's ordinance currently requires cash escrow for decommissioning surety but permits applicants to petition the county board for alternatives such as a bank letter of credit or a surety bond. "Currently, the court the ordinance requires that they post, cash escrow. However, the ordinance allows them to come to the county board to ask for a letter of credit or a surety bond," Alice said. Board members noted prior projects (Maple Road solar) where developers chose surety bonds and said surety availability or cost had been a concern compared with bank letters of credit.

The county also discussed permitting for large equipment: staff said crane moves in Green River and turbine-related transports are managed with two-step evaluations. Loads that must cross bridges are evaluated for axle configurations and bridge design before permits are issued. The county has required lead time to complete bridge evaluations.

No final vote to adopt the road use agreement or to change the ordinance was recorded in the meeting; staff said they will bring formal documents to committees and the county board for action when ready.