In what has to be considered a win for landowners opposed to construction of a solar farm on adjoining properties in the Dogwood community of Christian County, Christian Fiscal Court on Thursday approved first reading of an ordinance that greatly restricts where Oriden or any other company can construct a solar farm.
Several members of the public and representatives of Oriden spoke prior to reading of the ordinance, with Gary Verkleeren of Oriden asking the court to “hit the pause button,” with his biggest objection to the ordinance a requirement that any panels be at least 2,000 feet away from adjoining properties.
Senator Whitney Westerfield, who resides in the general area of the proposed construction, echoed the thoughts of many opposed to the proposed project, saying owners of adjoining properties should have their rights protected.
Two people spoke in favor of the solar farm project, citing the need for renewable energy and the right for property owners to lease their land to anyone they choose.
Ultimately, the ordinance passed unanimously on first reading with Magistrate Mark Wells abstaining. Christian County Attorney John Soyars noted that while the ordinance does include a 2,000 feet setback from any home or adjoining property, there are provisions for a process to allow exceptions when the fiscal court or adjoining property owner agrees.
He says the ordinance also has a requirement for a bond and plan to decommission any solar farm project once it has exceeded its lifespan.
Several speakers and magistrates also voiced concerns that unregulated solar farm development in the county could severely damage Christian County’s top industry—agriculture.
Magistrates will consider second reading of the ordinance at its November 22 meeting.
In other action, magistrates approved final reading for the issuance of $32 million in municipal industrial revenue bonds for Jennie Stuart Health to finance the expansion of the EC Green Cancer Center and emergency room.