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Brownwood Bulletin
Brookesmith ISD superintendent Steve Mickelson said the district would benefit from two solar farm projects that are proposed near Brookesmith, but added the district is hanging in there financially.
“Brookesmith ISD is not going anywhere,” Mickelson said. He spoke in a phone interview in response to statements that opponents of the projects made during Monday s meeting of the Brown County Commissioners Court.
“But we certainly would like to have a greater fund balance and to be stronger financially, Mickelson said. As far as the state of the Brookesmith ISD, we are fine. Even if it’s a tight time or a difficult time, we’re moving through it.”
Brown County citizens speak against solar farm tax abatement
Brownwood Bulletin
Six members of TLOW Texas Landowners Opposing Wind urged Brown County Commissioners Court members Monday to refuse a tax abatement for a proposed solar farm project near Brookesmith.
While there were no agenda items at Monday’s meeting that pertained to the proposed solar project, the six spoke during the citizens comments section of the agenda.
TLOW was initially formed by a group of landowners who opposed tax abatements for wind energy.
On Feb. 8, commissioners approved in a 4-1 vote with Brown County Judge Paul Lilly voting “no” guidelines and criteria for any future tax abatements the court might grant.
Speakers disagree on possible tax abatement for solar farm
Brownwood Bulletin
A standing-room-only audience attended Monday s meeting of the Brown County Commissioners Court as the court voted 4-1 to approve guidelines and criteria for tax abatement.
While a proposed solar power farm near Brookesmith generated the large attendance and numerous comments, commissioner Gary Worley stressed the court was not approving a tax abatement at that time.
The guidelines will apply to any company seeking a tax abatement, Worley said.
The court took the vote after hearing comments from about a dozen speakers during the citizens comment portion of the meeting as well as a public hearing. Brown County Judge Paul Lilly voted against approving the tax abatement guidelines, saying he does not support tax abatement on a county level.
Radian Solar Energy Project seeks Brown County tax abatement
Solar benefits all, harms none in Brown County
Special to the Bulletin
Brown County Commissioners will meet with legal counsel in closed session at 2 p.m. Monday to receive information regarding a potential tax abatement for Intersect Power, The company is developing the Radian Solar Energy Project. Intersect Power submitted this article stating its position.
Tucked away in the far southwest corner of Brown County, Intersect Power is developing the Radian Solar Energy Project. Located on mostly unfarmed land owned by more than ten private property owners, the project will be an economic boon to the local economy, infusing Brown County and the Brookesmith Independent School District (ISD) with nearly $23M in property tax payments and creating numerous jobs in the community.