Council passes third reading for Sandywoods Solar project
Following a public hearing and debate regarding site location, decommissioning bonds, and potential environmental impacts, the Council voted 4-2 to approve the Fee-in-Lieu of Ad Valorem Taxes (FILOT) agreement for the 75-megawatt solar facility. This decision allows the project to move forward as a 450-acre development near Sanders Creek and Lockhart Road.
Third Reading of FILOT Ordinance for Sandywoods Solar, LLC:
Taxes & budget
Yes 4 · No 2
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detailsless
PASSED For 4 · Against 2
Votes at a glance ▸ showhide
Adoption of the Agenda (Amended):
Unanimous · 6-0
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detailsless
PASSED (Unanimous)
Proclamation for Mr. Edward J. "Mike" McClendon:
Unanimous · 6-0
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detailsless
PASSED (Unanimous)
Approval of Minutes (Nov 28 and Dec 12, 2023):
Unanimous · 6-0
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detailsless
PASSED (Unanimous)
Third Reading of FILOT Ordinance for Sandywoods Solar, LLC:
Taxes & budget
Yes 4 · No 2
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PASSED For 4 · Against 2
Resolution #001-2024 Establishing Regular Meeting Dates:
Unanimous · 6-0
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detailsless
PASSED (Unanimous, with an amendment to strike the December 24, 2024, meeting)
Lease/Purchase of a Roll-Off Truck for Solid Waste:
EnvironmentCounty property
Yes 2 · No 4
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detailsless
FAILED For 2 · Against 4
Discussed, no vote ▸ showhide
- Defeasance of 2008 General Obligation Bonds: Councilman Russell Brazell initiated a discussion on a strategy to pay off older sewer-related bonds to reduce debt and free up annual revenue. Staff confirmed this will be a central topic during the upcoming budget cycle.
- Meeting Procedures: Councilman Jimmy Jones announced his intention to add an item to the next agenda to formalize an "open forum" segment to increase direct engagement between Council and the public.
- Growth and Planning: Chairwoman Katie Guinn and other members discussed ongoing efforts to update the Zoning and Land Development Regulations (ZLDR) and the Comprehensive Plan to manage residential growth, noting that these updates are expected to move through the Planning Commission in early 2024.
Public comment ▸ showhide
Three citizens provided testimony during the public hearing portion of the meeting. Tom Webb III expressed skepticism regarding the long-term reliability of solar energy.
Ashley Huff raised concerns about the project's impact on her district, questioning the adequacy of the reclamation bonds and the long-term environmental consequences.
Daniel Band, representing the developer Sun Tribe, argued in favor of the project's economic benefits, including $6.7 million in projected tax revenue, and provided details on proposed vegetative buffers and stormwater management.
Coming up ▸ showhide
- Follow-up on Debt Strategy: Scheduled for discussion on February 13, 2024.
- Budget Retreat: Tentatively scheduled for March 2-3, 2024.
- Planning Commission: A growth-related issue is scheduled for the February 12, 2024, Planning Commission meeting.
This is an independent summary prepared from the county's official published minutes and the meeting's live stream, not an official county communication.