County accused of circumventing planning panel
Staff writer
Florence resident and one-time wind farm developer Rex Savage expressed his disappointment Monday with attempts to extend a wind farm moratorium.
He told commissioners that he was disappointed when he and his wife returned from a trip and read that commissioners voted to have counsel Brad Jantz draft an extension to a moratorium passed a year ago.
“As anyone can guess, I am not pleased with it,” Savage said.
Commissioners want to discuss the draft again after a public hearing May 24 on changes commissioner Clarke Dirks wants made to wind farm regulations.
Savage reminded commissioners that the county established its planning and zoning commission in the 1980s to make regulations. When rules are amended in a top-down manner, he said, the result can be expensive litigation.
He accused commissioners of lack of faith in volunteers who give hours of time to serve on the commission.
Discussing the topic at a public hearing is good for everyone, Savage said.
“If you will let people speak on what they want and don’t want, when they go away, whether they agree or disagree, they will accept the decision,” Savage said. “Let the process work.”
In other business Monday, Hillsboro city administrator Matt Stiles talked to commissioners about a housing development in Hillsboro.
“The good thing is, I’m here to ask you do nothing,” Stiles said. “Just nothing. It’s probably the easiest thing you’ve done all day.”
Stiles outlined Hillsboro’s agreement with Mennonite Housing to build 12 duplexes on Orchard St. south of Dollar General.
Although the units will not be specifically for low-income renters, rent will be based on tenant income. Two-and three-bedroom duplexes are estimated to rent for $600 to $700 a month.
Mennonite Housing will manage the complex for at least 40 years.
Orchard Ridge Development’s potential property tax revenue would be $1.98 million over Mennonite Housing’s minimum ownership, he said.
A public hearing at 4 p.m. May 6 will be followed by a 30-day objection period for taxing entities.
“The City of Hillsboro requests Marion County take no action and make no objection,” Stiles said. “An objection would halt the project.”
Commissioners did not indicate whether they might object.