SOLAR CONCERNS … Local Township Trustees and Representatives from Springfield, Center, and Pulaski Townships raise concerns on solar field land-use and development.
By: Brenna White
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The Williams County Commissioners met on July 24, 2025, in the Commissioners’ Session Room. The meeting began at 9:00 a.m. with the call to order, Pledge of Allegiance, and roll call. Commissioner President Terry Rummel, Scott Lirot, and Bart Westfall were in attendance.
After approving the minutes of the previous meeting, Rummel made a motion to include a minor amendment to the agenda: requesting an executive meeting with their attorney, Thad Boggs, to discuss the ongoing Montpelier Solar Field project. This was postponed to a later date for efficiency.
Supplemental appropriations were approved for the Department of Aging, Hillside Country Living, the Williams County Engineering Office, and the County IT department.
A resolution was passed approving the disposition of unneeded, obsolete, or unfit personal property involving the Williams County Sheriff’s Office.
The sheriff’s department reported a donation of a 2016 Ford Utility vehicle to the Williams County EMS. Rummel noted that the recent listing of previously used county sheriff vehicles had been successful with one purchase so far.
An Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) project grant agreement was approved under the Local Transportation Improvement Program.
In coordination with the State of Ohio, Williams County has been awarded a grant not to exceed $275,000 for the reconstruction of County Roads K and 5.
Monthly credit card expenditure for the Recorder and Commissioner offices was approved, along with a permit for use of county property.
This permit was granted to the Cancer Assistance of Williams County “Bike to Bridge” annual fundraiser, which will be held August 2, 2025, from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The parking lot and restrooms will be open to use for participants at the East Annex, Bryan.
The MVPO requested payment for several services previously offered in 2024: general administration services and services pertaining to Pui’s CBG critical infrastructure project.
The county engineer was approved for authorized certification regarding OPWC disbursements in the amount of $144,587.
The commissioners continued to discuss the Williams County Economic Development Corporation (WEDCO) meeting they attended before the commissioners’ meeting. Offered once a month, they consider local business growth and improvements available in the county.
At 9:30 a.m., the board heard a solar field opposition presented by representatives of the Springfield, Center, and Pulaski Townships. Ed Ruffer, of Springfield Township, led the discussion in order to express collective opposition to solar fields being contracted within their zoning areas.
Each township has recently passed a resolution prohibiting the construction of solar fields exceeding 50 megawatts (MW), instead capping development at 49 MW.
While they are open to establishing exclusion zones if certain requirements are met, they voice uncertainty about how to proceed legally without overstepping their authority.
The townships are seeking guidance from the commissioners on how to ensure that their resolutions are upheld and that the Ohio Power Siting Board cannot override their decisions.
Matthew Grubb of Center Township stated that he has previously seen utility companies operate with little regard for township concerns, noting that they are a “public utility.”
He emphasized, however, that most prominent utilities do not possess the same type of generating power as large-scale solar facilities.
The townships also expressed concern about the long-term impacts of these developments, particularly regarding exit strategies after the expected 30-year lifespan of solar fields.
They questioned whether the land could be vitally restored to farmland and if the disposal of the panels would be feasible. “There’s definitely recycling programs out there for solar panels.”
“However, we need to see what’s left of the recycling for our future children and grandchildren to follow,” Rummel commented.
“There’s definitely arguments on both sides for it. Twenty to thirty years from now, this farmland that is being taken out is never going to be back to normal. I think solar energy is good, but only in the right place,” Ruffer explained.
While the township leaders clarified they do not wish to restrict landowners’ rights, they are troubled by the ease with which solar companies can purchase land and develop large fields that yield minimal financial return to the township. They emphasized their goal is not to infringe on rights, but to protect future generations to come.
Although solar developers are reportedly required to carry insurance policies to ensure farmland restoration, the townships questioned whether such policies would remain sufficient given future inflation.
They concluded by affirming that, due to the small size of the townships, no ballot measure is necessary for this matter.
Rummel stated, “It sure would be nice to hear from every registered voter if they want it or not. Because we run this county based on the inquiries we receive, and we don’t really know who is in opposition or not.”
“I had a conversation with the FSA Office (Ohio Farm Service Agency),” stated Grubb, “they said that this land is no longer considered agricultural ground.”
“To come back into agriculture ground in the future, it has to have a determination, based on if it is able to be farmed. With retention, loosened topsoil, it may not come back to use.”
“We are not trying to stop locals from doing this but trying to figure out if the next generation can have viable farmland.”
Any project over 49 MW is to be brought to the commissioners within the township zoning, though matters are subject to change after future research is conducted.
This discussion set the groundwork and raised questions concerning what jurisdiction townships and villages alike have over incoming solar businesses and construction.
At 10:00 a.m., a new member for the Port Authority Board of Williams County was requested by Chairman Dave Newcomer. Cheryl Andres, the previous president of the Bryan Rotary Club, has excellent experience with real estate and would provide further insight for the Port Authority.
The commissioners approved the request and are set to meet with Andres for a proper introduction and approval in the future.
The meeting adjourned with no other business at 10:26 a.m.