Public-Private Solar Farm Project Approved for Clay County

Clay County board members Tuesday learned that a public-private solar farm project for the county has gained approval.

Clay County State's Attorney Andrew Koester reported that the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has approved a venture between the County and Invenergy to be known as Maple Flats Solar Farm.

The project involves leased land in Louisville, Harter and Oskaloosa Townships where solar panels would be placed. The developers hope to obtain enterprise zone tax benefits for the project.

The developers say more than $28 million in property taxes would be generated over 35 years, as well as $250 million in investment in Clay County. The projection is for more than 500, and perhaps up to 700 fulltime construction jobs during the construction phase and four to five permanent operator jobs. The estimated tax liability for the first year is close to $1.4 million, with more than $28 million for 35 years.

In exchange for the tax breaks the enterprise zone would provide, Invenergy has offered Xenia and Clay City $30,000 each for community projects, and $50,000 for Flora community projects.

The hope is that enterprise zone issues could be resolved in time to get the project started in August or September.

Also Tuesday, the Clay board heard from County Treasurer Jana Tolliver that tax revenue for March was the same as usual, but that she can't tell about April or May, when the pandemic took hold.

The Board also approved a two-year contract with Public Defender Chris Elliott at the same terms as the previous contract; approved an extension of the West Side Central TIF District; and approved three-year terms on the Clay County Board of Health for Dr. Brandon Cycholl, Linda Newby and Larry Rinehart. The Board approved a proposed $5.6 million budget for the Clay County Health Department, and approved judges for the November election.