Commissioners set public hearings for three new solar projects
Milam County Commissioners approved another solar project and set public hearings for three new projects during a meeting on Monday.
Commissioners approved an abatement for Cattleman Solar Park II. The $224 million project is set for construction in 2024. The court approved a tax abatement for 55 percent over 10 years on a step scale.
The county has abated 13 projects so far in the county. Those projects if all built out will be a $2 billion investment in the county. According to County Judge Steve Young there will be an estimated $80 million in tax revenue to the county and an estimated $130 million for county school districts.
Commissioners also moved forward with three new solar projects and set public hearings for those projects for 10 a.m. on July 11 in the county courtroom.
Those projects are: Youpon Solar in the northwest part of the county with a $200,000 investment; Sandow Lakes Ranch II Solar in the Rockdale area with a $200,000 investment; and Sypert Solar in the Buckholts/Rogers area with a $208,000 investment.
Commissioners also approved $2,000 in premium pay for county employees using American Rescue Plan Act funds.
“As you know part of those ARPA funds can be used for premium pay,” Young said. “I am proposing to give each full-time employee $2,000 premium pay. To qualify you must be an active employee between July 16, 2021 and July 15, 2022.”
The cost will be an estimated $250,000 of ARPA funds.
“Our county employees are underpaid,” Young said. “Since I have been here we have given the employees one raise and they deserve it.”
In other business commissioners also: approved employee health insurance with Texas Association of Counties; approved the purchase of trucks for Precinct 3; approved the placement of 30 MPH speed limit signs on County Road 457; approved utility easements for Southwest Milam and Salem Elm Ridge WSC; rejected all bids for glass windows in the lobby of the Annex and decided to go out for new bids; and approved the hiring of a security guard and receptionist at the Annex.