The Russell County Fiscal Court heard from several citizens regarding a proposed solar farm in the county at yesterday’s meeting.
For about 45 minutes, local residents expressed concerns about the proposed solar farm and battery energy storage systems, with concerns about the project’s impacts on agriculture, decreasing property values, fire risks and more.
After hearing from several residents, as well as the executive director of Round Trip Energy, a motion was made by 4th District Magistrate Steve Richardson to have the county attorney draw up an ordinance on the issue. The ordinance would include setbacks so that solar panels or battery storage systems must be at least 2,000 feet from property lines, roadways, and waterways.
Judge Executive Randy Marcum spoke to WJRS News after the meeting about the potential ordinance. He said he hopes this ordinance, if approved, would help address concerns of impacted residents.
A first reading of this ordinance is expected at the fiscal court’s next meeting. Unless a special meeting is called, the fiscal court’s next meeting will be on Monday, November 10. The ordinance would require a second reading and approval by the fiscal court before going into effect.
