Commissioners set hearings for solar project
The Commissioners Court of Falls County met on Monday, Oct. 25.
Judge Jay Elliott commented on the well-attended courthouse re-opening and noted tours are available upon request.
It was moved by Commissioner Green and seconded by Commissioner Wuebker to retain legal counsel to assist the county with a pending Application for Tax Abatement, including review, negotiation and drafting of all necessary documents, notices and procedures related to a possible tax abatement agreement with Blevins Solar, LLC. Motion carried.
Falls County citizens shared concerns regarding the proposed Application Tax Abatement from Blevins Solar, LLC. Basically, the constituents do not want the solar panels on their farmland, which could result in a 30 percent loss in property value. When accessing personal property that was posted with no trespassing signs, some have been victims of implied threats and misrepresentation as “Falls County” workers. Heavy equipment has resulted in deplorable road conditions and non-operable equipment has been abandoned on the side of the roads.
Niko Druzhinin, Senior Developer for National Grid Renewables assured the group that testing soil conditions, field surveys and area surveys were the only activities occurring and looked forward to becoming long-term partners.
After much discussion, Commissioner Willberg moved to accept the Application for the Tax Abatement from Blevins Solar and authorize Dec. 13, 2021, for a public hearing and publication of notice of such hearing in the local newspaper(s) creating a “Falls County Reinvestment Zone Blevins Solar LLC.” Motion carried. Judge Elliott advised the concerned citizens to contact the Falls County Sheriff Department for assistance. Commissioner Green moved to give notice to other taxing jurisdictions of tax abatement. Commissioner Albright seconded; motion carried.
Via conference call, John Redington with Allison, Bass and Magee, LLP, for the November meeting informed the commissioners that for the November meeting he would send a link to Google Earth to preview redistricting maps. It was approved to accept the Tuesday, Dec. 7, Falls County Sheriff’s Public Resale of Trust Properties presented by John Banks. Packets were provided. Changes include 100 percent ownership with no two-year redemption. The commissioners voted to accept the Falls County Procurement Policies and Procedures.
Until further notice, the Commissioners voted to lift the burn ban. Free trash day, including tires, will be Saturday, Dec. 4, in Lott and Marlin. After discussing pros/cons of roadside spraying, it was moved to allow the company for contractual services to make a presentation at the next Commissioners Court. The Commissioners authorized Southwest Government Services Manager to execute an agreement with the Texas Water Development Board for $820,000 in funding.
The 2022-23 Appraisal District nominees are Jesse Martinez, Ian Geisler, Linda Mitchell, and Shirley Melton. Falls County has a total of 1689 votes to cast. The completed Interlocal Agreement with the City of Marlin is now completed with an estimated $33,000 for road repair materials and services to be paid to Falls County Road and Bridge. Road and Bridge Administrator expressed that with the change of weather temperatures re: road repairs, temperatures under 92 degrees may not allow mixture of oil and mix to blend. He also noted Falls County Road and Bridge will assist with Free Trash Day and helped to prepare City of Marlin for upcoming Marlin Air Show at the New City Lake.
The Commissioners approved the payment of bills, including reimbursements, late charges, transfer of cash/funds from a line item or department to another, book transfers and budget amendments. The Annual Employee Appreciation Luncheon is Dec. 17 at noon.
The minutes of the prior meeting of Commissioner’s Court were approved and the meeting was adjourned.