By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
The Ellis County Commission discussed project documents relating to the proposed Tallgrass Solar Development during its Tuesday meeting.
The discussion included a conditional-use permit and contribution agreement. Ellis County Administrator Darin Myers said the agreements were developed over several months with assistance from outside consultant and legal firms.
"This contribution agreement was created and offered by ibV to pay the county in those first 10 years. The contribution agreement starts once they start selling power or putting power onto the grid. One year after that is when they will pay us," Myers said.
Myers said projected first-year payment to the county is about $1.1 million, or about $6,500 per megawatt, increasing 1% annually for 10 years. The total revenue to the county is projected to be about $11.5 million.
Members of the public were given the opportunity to provide input, but nobody chose to do so. The proposed solar project from ibV Energy Partners would be west of Mount Pleasant and Yocemento Road.
Myers said several agreements are still unfinished because the project is too early in its development. These include the road use agreements, emergency response plans and decommissioning agreement.
Patrick Ripa, ibV executive director of planning and engineering, discussed stormwater management planning at the site of the solar farm with the commission. No vote was taken.
SEE RELATED STORY: Solar developer shares maps, more on construction during Hays open house
SEE RELATED STORY: Solar developer answers Ellis County Commission questions
Other business
• The county is seeking potential land options in Ellis for a future combined EMS and fire station project. If landowners have any property that fit this purpose, reach out by June 30 to Myers at dmyers@ellisco.net.
• Ellis County Landfill staff provided details for Tire Amnesty Day on June 13 to help reduce illegally dumped tires along county roads and ditches.
• Ellis County Health Department provided an update on a Kansas Regional Chronic Disease Intelligence & Action Pilot Program Grant submission. The grant is focused on chronic disease prevention and supporting rural health departments working together.
• The commission agreed to waive waste fees for the Wild West Festival.