The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Joy Swearingen, Quill Correspondent
The first public hearings in Hancock County to consider commercial solar energy facilities were conducted at the regular county board meeting July 16.
Two projects proposed by Alex Farkas of 22C, a solar energy development company, were presented for public comment.
Hwy-61 Sun LLC is on property owned by Larry McElroy. Hwy 96-Sun LLC is on property owned by Dusty Walker. The board listened to comments about both proposed solar developments.
According to County Clerk Holly Wilde-Tillman, both projects meet all the criteria required for solar projects.
This includes a bond which is paid and held solely for decommissioning of the facility later if needed.
Farkas put a stay on the Rt. 61 project, in order to continue working with the neighbors in that area. The board took no action on approving the sites, and agreed to send both projects back to committee for further consideration.
The board approved a resolution authorizing the sale of the former county dog pound property. An ad seeking sealed bids will be published. Bids will be opened at the Health and Miscellaneous Committee meeting on Aug. 5.
The contract for animal control personnel was sent back to the table for more clarification with animal control administrator, Dr. Maggie Harrell and the assistant, Anthony Hopp.
The board approved getting two credit cards for the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office with two different accounts, each not to exceed $10,000.
Work on the Connable road has begun, with a groundbreaking held on July 5. The work should be completed in October. Brief full-road closures requiring detours will occur when culverts are placed across the road at several intersections. Most of the time, one lane will be open during the work.
Hancock County will assist Henderson County with 911 dispatching since Henderson currently has only two dispatchers. Hancock will cover one eight-hour shift per night.
The county has received new handicapped voting machines. Training on the machines will be held in August.
Circuit Clerk Keara Weber informed the Finance Committee that she has started working with Paycourt, an agency that specializes in court collections, to help the county receive payment for past due fines.
A motion to pay utilities, not to exceed $500, for Hearts of Hancock animal shelter failed.
The board accepted the low bid for work on the Rocky Run/Wilcox Township road.
The board approved the election judges that were appointed for Hancock County for the fall election.
A resolution relating to taxing districts was approved.