Scott County Leaders Explore Renewable Energy as a Path to Economic Recovery

At a recent Renewal by Energy summit, a wide array of energy solutions—including wind, solar, nuclear, and geothermal—were discussed as potential avenues for sustainable growth and fiscal revitalization. Scott County Commissioner Adam Bomar was

among the attendees representing the county, which is currently facing significant financial challenges.

“As elected officials, we have a responsibility to thoroughly research every opportunity that could help secure the future of our county, whether through economic development, managed growth, financial stability, or other strategic initiatives,” said Bomar during the summit.

Bomar cited a conversation with an Iowa official whose county approved a 1,000-acre solar project at no cost to the county. The result: roughly $4 million annually in revenue to help support the local budget. “This is just one of many innovative approaches worth exploring as we work to lift Scott County out of financial distress and reduce the burden on our taxpayers,” Bomar said.

Board President Randy Julian echoed the interest in renewables but acknowledged that there are still many considerations on the table. “One potential spot is at the transfer station,” he said. “Since that was a landfill, there just isn’t much else that could be done with it. But we also have methane gas there, so running a generator may be a better option.”

Julian also pointed to 170 acres surrounding Austin Tri-Hawk that had previously been designated for an industrial park, though few businesses have moved in. “Maybe it is a good spot to put a solar field,” he suggested. “That could be renewable revenue that could offset the tax burden in the future. But we would definitely need some type of bond to do the work if we went that direction.”

While county leaders are exploring bonds to address parts of the budget—including support for the Sheriff’s Department—Julian expressed reservations. “I have a problem with the whole idea of borrowing yourself out of debt,” he said. “I’d like to see the infrastructure be bonded and the money from that to pay off the bond for both.”

On the topic of solar panels over parking lots, Julian said he liked the concept but noted it wouldn’t work for the county. “We don’t own the parking lots, so we wouldn’t receive the revenue off that for the tax base,” he said. He added that substantial energy output is typically required to justify a substation unless the power is for private use. “If there was a dense enough area with covered parking lots, that could work,” Julian said. “At one time they were working on designing solar roads—I’m not real sure how far they got with that.”

Commissioner Greg Prince, however, voiced strong opposition to the solar idea. “Solar doesn’t create jobs,” he said. “There’s a huge opportunity with the nearly 80 usable acres to attract significant investment with its unique infrastructure. We have valuable utilities on site that make the property perfectly suited for industrial development. Solar is a gigantic upfront investment that features many years of risky return. I believe jobs for our folks in Scott County are the most valuable resource-and that’s worth investing in.”

As discussions continue, Bomar emphasized the importance of public engagement in shaping the county’s renewable energy strategy. “We want future decisions to reflect the collective will and best interest of the community,” he said. He also invited residents to share their perspectives by asking three key questions:

1. What are your views on renewable energy development in Scott County?

2. Have you been approached or considered leasing or selling your land for renewable energy purpose?

3> What hopes or concerns do you have regarding the future of land use, agriculture, and economic growth in the county?

The answers may be emailed to Bomar at bomar4scottcounty@gmail.com.

County leaders remain committed to exploring responsible, forward-looking strategies to stabilize Scott County’s fiscal health—aiming for solutions that reduce the tax burden, avoid financial insolvency, and support the future prosperity of the community.