County board discusses PILOT for wind farm

With Chad Morris, project manager for EDP Renewables North America in attendance, the Cloud County board of commissioners discussed a PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) agreement for the proposed 200 megawatt Plum Nellie Wind Farm during its regular meeting on Monday.
The Plum Nellie Wind Farm would be located in the southeast corner of Cloud County.
EDP Renewables operates Meridian Way Wind Farm in Cloud County and provides gift payments of $300,000 per year to the county.
Morris had met with the board during its meeting on October 4 and presented a proposal for an annual payment to the county of $1,000 per megawatt, totaling $200,000, for the first 10 years the Plum Nellie Wind Farm would be in operation.
A lifetime property tax exemption for renewable energy projects was repealed by the Kansas Legislature in 2015 and replaced with a 10-year exemption.
NCK Today reported that Morris, after discussion about the PILOT agreement with the county board, said that EDP Renewables would be willing to offer $1,500 per megawatt, or $300,000 a year, for the first 10 years.
If the agreement is accepted, the county can direct the payments from EDP Renewables to any general county fund or specific fund established by the county.
Over the course of the 30-year expected life of the wind farm, the project would bring in over $36 million in gift and tax revenue to the county.
Construction on the Plum Nellie Wind Farm could begin in 2025. It is expected to include 45-50 wind  turbines.
It was decided by the county commissioners to have County Attorney Rob Walsh review the PILOT agreement before signing it.
In action taken during the meeting, the board approved the real property relief application for the 2021 tax year for Eugene and Gayle McDaniel, 1919 Rust Road, Concordia.
The board met with department heads during the meeting. Reports presented were:
Mike Hake, Solid Waste director – Discussed using the Recycling Center as a place for storage for the Sheriff's Department and needing a contract for the storage; needs part-time help at the Recycling Center and discussed wages for his personnel. The commissioners recommended to Hake that he do some research regarding wages and get back to them. The Transfer Station will be closed on November 27.
James Quillen, Emergency Preparedness director – Discussed grants regarding EMPG; is short three classes from being a certified emergency preparedness director and that the classes are not being offered at this time because of COVID-19; will be attending a table-top in Abilene next week; waiting on answers from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation regarding a request for funds for radio equipment and is looking into United States Department of Agriculture grants for radio equipment.
Andy Asch, Highway Department administrator – Doing ditch work; finished with rock jobs; bridge project; has a part-time opening for tree work/skid steer; discussed wages for his personnel. Commissioners recommended doing some research regarding wages and get back to them.
Barry Porter, Appraiser – Received a cyber security threat agreement from the State of Kansas; discussed some district sanitation rules and has been tracking real estate sales.
Brandi Bray, Health Department administrator – Health Department food bank assists a lot of families; has a family planning position open; youth COVID-19 vaccinations will start this week for ages 5-11, call the Health Department to schedule an appointment; Health Department continues to work with community testing partners; testing for COVID-19 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., call and schedule an appointment. Will need some basic information for follow-up results.
Henry Eilert, Maintenance manager – Boiler was inspected by Hartford Steam Boiler and passed inspection; the boiler is on for the winter; routine maintenance jobs in the Courthouse; monument ball has been winterized; helped install toilets at the Health Department.
Ken Davis, Sheriff – Working on relocating inmates before remedial work will proceed at the jail. Has contracts with surrounding departments for inmates.
Cathy Davis, Deputy County Clerk – Canvass of November 2 election results will be November 15.
The board approved the following expenses totaling $232,583.38:
General Fund, $38,627.47; Road & Bridge, $149,690.38; Special Bridge, $3,693; Noxious Weed, $124.16; County Tourism & Convention, $277.34; Solid Waste, $26,768.66; Special Alcohol & Drug, $1,924.44; Juvenile Reinvestment, $18.95; Juvenile Justice, $201.65; County Health, $9,182.31; Community Corrections, $448.87; Appraisal, $246.49; Election, $279.66.