On January 2, Judge Chris Porter and the county commissioners held their first meeting of the new year.
The meeting began with public comments concerning the closing and/or abandoning of platted but unbuilt roads located within particular parcels of real property.
While there were no public comments directed towards that item, John Spearman did wish to speak on the topic of the tax abatements that Intersect Power is requesting for their proposed solar farm and hydrogen plant.
Judge Porter did allow Mr. Spearman to speak, but informed him that because the tax abatement issue was not on the agenda, there would be no discussion or response over the comments.
“If y’all would submit questions to me in writing, I will be sure to pass those along and get the answers,” Judge Porter said.
“I try to be as fair throughout this entire process as possible and I want everybody to be heard.”
Mr. Spearman inquired about how many tax abatements Intersect Power was applying for and how many hydrogen plants were planning to be built, as well as expressing his concern about the water usage.
“Right now there is no market for hydrogen gas and who knows if there will be a market for it or not,” Spearman said.
“I know agriculture uses a lot more water than these guys ever will, but everybody strives to get the most out of every drop and produce food. So to produce something just to collect government tax dollars and then turn around and not want to participate to really any great extent in the communities where they’re putting stuff. It’s not a viable project. We need to be mindful for the future.”
Judge Porter responded to Spearman by advising him to reach out to Intersect Power to request the specifics of the number of abatements that IP is requesting considering that IP has requested abatements for not only Gray County.
Other items on the agenda included consideration of adding two additional workstations in the motor vehicle department within the Tax Assessor’s Office, which was approved; considering a mileage rate increase for 2024, which was approved; and removing Elaine Morris as signatory at Happy State Bank and adding Debra Winegeart as signatory, which was also approved.
The discussion and decision over the proposed tax abatement agreement from Intersect Power will be held during the January 15 meeting at 9 AM.
