Concerns voiced around commercial solar project nearby
-
A long-standing tradition in Hamilton County, the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners voted to approve and sign the proclamation designating February 2022 as Hamilton County 4-H Month. Those on hand to celebrate were, back row, from left: Commissioner Nancy Salmon, Commissioner Becky Richter, 4-H Council member Sarah Mead, 4-H Council member Logan McKay and Commissioner Roger Nunnenkamp. Front row, from left: Commissioner John Thomas and Commissioner and Board Chairman Rich Nelson.
Monday’s Hamilton County Board of Commissioners meeting covered a number of topics, including a local guest who approached the board in hopes of someday amending the planning and zoning regulations to better protect landowners in regard to commercial-sized solar installations.
“I’m concerned with the Hamilton County zoning regulations on solar power,” Angie Joyce began. “A member from the group Our Voices Count contacted me about the EDF renewable 5,000-acre solar power project by McCool Junction. The member is horrified at the thought of having solar panels and fence on all three sides of her home.”
The average ceiling height in the average home is nine feet, Joyce voiced, and according to a K-Junction solar project article published on Jan. 26, the panels being considered would stand somewhere between eight and nine feet tall.
“The article also states Nebraska law in determining valuations must ignore solar projects,” she added. “My question is, does this mean you pay higher solar property tax and the lower tax valuation will change for the new homeowner?”
She continued, noting that she imagined “a homeowner surrounded by solar panels” would not be able to overlook them, nor would future homebuyers.
To read more, please see this week's print or e-edition.
