(Red Oak) During their regular meeting this morning, the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors held two public hearings. The first focused on a proposed amendment to the fiscal year 2024/2025 budget. However, it was the second hearing that drew significant public interest — proposed amendments to the Wind Ordinance within the Montgomery County Zoning Ordinance.
A large number of residents participated, with many speaking in favor of the ordinance and expressing opposition to wind turbines, while others submitted written comments.
John Huff and Jacob Joliet of MidAmerican opened the hearing. Huff noted that they still hold active easements and agreements related to the proposed Silver Creek Wind Farm. He acknowledged that it is within the Board of Supervisors’ authority to implement a wind ordinance they believe is reasonable, taking into account the recommendations of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Huff also expressed that there is still a possibility of reaching a compromise.
.The proposed plan includes installing between 31 and 68 wind turbines, with questions remaining about the amount of tax revenue this would generate for the county.
District #2 Supervisor Mike Olson stated that landowners have the right to use their property as they see fit, provided it meets established regulations. However, he expressed skepticism, saying he does not believe wind energy is the right solution.
Olson acknowledged that supporting the ordinance could cost the county between $2 million and $5 million annually in lost revenue from the wind turbines—funds that would have benefited the county, schools, and hospitals. Still, he emphasized that he was elected to represent his constituents, and the vast majority support the ordinance and oppose wind energy.
Supervisor District #4 Representative Mark Petersen echoed Olson’s sentiments, also noting he was voted in to represent his constituents, and it is very apparent they are in favor of adopting the wind ordinance. District #5 Representative Alex Burton agreed with Petersen.
District #3 Supervisor Bryant Amos dedicated significant time to this ordinance through his role on the Planning and Zoning Board. He expressed respect for MidAmerican, acknowledging that they are simply doing their job.
Supervisor Chairperson and District #1 representative Charla Schmid holds a different personal view. She supports the wind turbines and believes they represent a strong business opportunity for Montgomery County. However, in response to the concerns of her constituents, Schmid voted in favor of the ordinance.
The Supervisors voted unanimously on the first reading of the ordinance, waived the second and third readings, and voted in favor of the ordinance across the board. The ordinance contains extensive language; the setback portions are posted below.
The ordinance includes the following setbacks:
*Adjacent Property Lines: Six times the total height or 3200 ft (whichever is greater)
*Dwelling six times the total height or 3200 ft. (whichever is greater)
*Occupied, Non-residential Building six times the total height or 3200 ft. (whichever is greater)
*Agricultural Operation Building 6 times the total height or 3200 ft. (whichever is greater)
*Public Road Right-of-Way 1.25 times the total height
*Public Conservation Area, one mile
*Cemetery six times the total height or 3200 ft. (whichever is greater)
*City Limits are two miles from the Corporate Limits
*Airstrips- per FAA regulations
