County Board to consider Geronimo Energy solar project

The Knox County Board could approve the conditional use permit for Geronimo Energy to build two 2MW solar farms outside of Galesburg at Wednesday night’s meeting.

Public comment at last week’s zoning committee meeting featured nearly 20 individuals who spoke against the solar panels, mostly being against the location of the proposed farm.

The zoning committee voted to approve the permit despite the opposition.

Also coming out of the zoning committee is a recommend to deny a consideration to modify to the set back distance for solar farms. The set back distance is the between a a residence that is not part of the specific solar energy system permit or plan.

A vacancy left by the passing of District 3 board member Trisha Hurst could also be filled.

Kyle Rohweder, owner of Glory Days Barbershop, could be approved to fill the remainder of Hurst’s term on the board.

Board documents indicate that on April 26th, the Knox County Democratic Part caucused and elected Rohweder to fill the position for the remainder of the term.

He filed in December of 2017 to run in the 2018 election after it was revealed that Hurst would not run again, however with her passing the vacancy opened up earlier than expected.

The county board could also approve a bid from Paypoint HR for a wage compensation study to be conducted. This is in response to growing concerns that non-union employees were being underpaid when compared to union employees in similar or even subordinate positions.

Another topic for discussion and considered approval is for a utility bill and site review by Smartwatt Inc. to determine if the county can save some money on energy efficiency improvements in county owned buildings.

The Knox County Board’s open session is scheduled to start at 6:00 p.m. at the Galesburg City Council Chambers.

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