The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Joy Swearingen, Quill correspondent
Two visitors spoke to the Hancock County Board at their meeting June 18.
Alex Farkas of 22C, a solar energy development company, told the board about projects his company currently has in Hancock County, and how the process will move forward.
He has agreements with four landowners in Hancock County. He is working with the county to schedule public hearings for site approval in July.
His company, based in Chicago, is making agreements with landowners nearby in McDonough, Schuyler and Pike counties as well as southern Illinois and other locations around the state.
He estimated that upon approval, construction could begin in mid-2025. Once started, construction should take about 20 weeks.
All the properties have an agricultural impact agreement that covers drainage tile, top soil, deconstruction practices, and other concerns required by state legislation.
When asked about the life of a solar project, Farkas said that warranties are for 30 years. He noted that several recycling plants are being built specifically for retiring solar projects.
“A panel does not have any hazardous materials. It is silicon, copper, aluminum and glass,” Farkas said. “The glass is getting thicker to resist hail damage.”
Farkas estimated a significant tax revenue for the county. The properties he is working to site now pay less than $5,000 in property taxes. With the solar project in place, that tax payment would increase to $20,000 or higher to all the entities on the tax bill.
Blake Roderick, chairman of Mid-American Port (MAP) Commission, talked to the board about the work of MAP. The district includes 26 counties on either side of the Mississippi River. There are 11 counties in Illinois, six in Iowa and nine in Missouri.
Their goals are to strengthen advocacy for maintaining the waterways, to promote awareness of the needs and economic importance of good waterways, and to build good relationships with people in and beyond the region who can impact the district.
Roderick explained that each county board in the district must vote to approve commissioners for the MAP district. Mike McLaughlin was approved by the Hancock County board to continue serving.
In other business, the board heard of plans developing for the celebration of Hancock County’s bicentennial year during 2025. They approved $5,000 to be available to the Hancock County Bicentennial Committee for expenses. Bills will be presented to the county for reimbursement.
A five-month administrative contract with Bellwether was approved, extending their services to the end of the current fiscal year.
Finance committee chairman, Wayne Bollin, explained that Bellwether has helped the county with budgeting and keeping the board aware of many legislative regulations.
“About 80 percent of the consulting work in Illinois counties is done by Bellwether,” Bollin said. This includes fee studies, human resources requirements, procedures and other regulations.
“We won’t negate our duties in the budget process,” Bollin added. “Their knowledge of what comes through from the state legislature is astounding.”
The board approved giving the county attorney authority to seek bids to sell the property, previously used as the county dog pound.
A retired county ambulance was designated for use as a command center for the county ESDA team.
A second credit card was approved for the Sheriff’s Department, also having a $7,500 limit and attached to the same account.