TAYLOR COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-12
Resolution to Establish a Temporary Moratorium on the Construction of Utility Scale Energy Systems (USSES) and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in the Unincorporated Areas Of Taylor County, Iowa
WHEREAS the Board of Supervisors, hereafter referred to as “Board”, has concerns that in the future persons may desire to construct Utility Scale Solar Energy Systems (USSES), commonly referred to as solar farms, and/or Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in the unincorporated areas of Taylor County, Iowa; and
WHEREAS, the Board believes that before any such facilities are constructed in Taylor County, ordinances should be put in place to ensure that the Board and Assessor are aware of these projects in Taylor County and that the construction, operation, and deconstruction of these facilities would be subject to reasonable regulations that would ensure that said facilities are constructed and operated in a safe manner, the rights of persons or property within reasonable distance of said facilities are appropriately protected, and the conditions of County roads are protected; and
WHEREAS, the Board desires to have said temporary moratoriums in place until such time as ordinances can be prepared and passed to provide appropriate regulation of said facilities.
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED by the Taylor County Board of Supervisors that:
1. The Board does hereby establish and impose a temporary moratorium on the construction of a Utility Scale Solar Energy Systems (USSES), commonly referred to as solar farms, in the unincorporated areas of Taylor County. No USSES facilities or appurtenances to said facilities shall be constructed in the unincorporated areas of Taylor County. This shall include the renovation of any existing structures to be used as said facility. This moratorium will remain in place until such time as the Board passes an ordinance concerning said facilities.
2. The Board does hereby establish and impose a temporary moratorium on the construction of a Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in the unincorporated areas of Taylor County. No BESS facilities or appurtenances to said facilities shall be constructed in the unincorporated areas of Taylor County. This shall include the renovation of any existing structures to be used as said facility. This moratorium will remain in place until such time as the Board passes an ordinance concerning said facilities.
3. This resolution as to both temporary moratoriums shall become effective upon passage.
Dated this 30th day of March, 2023.
The vote on the resolution:
AYES: ______________________________
Ron Fitzgerald, Chairman
______________________________
Kim Watson
______________________________
Jack Beggs
NAYES: None
ATTEST: _______________________________
Corey Leftwich
Taylor County Auditor
