Jan Roe news@robconews.com Robertson County News Bryan Derringer, a resident near Tidwell Prairie Road, spoke against construction of a proposed 3,500-acre solar farm during the Robertson County Commissioners Court meeting. Derringer asked commissioners to explore all legal remedies available when considering whether to deny permits or tax abatements tied to the project. He cited concerns about the ability of local fire departments to combat lithium battery fires should one occur, the speed at which the project is moving forward, and federal restrictions on purchasing lithium batteries from countries such as China and Russia, where many are manufactured. A public hearing was held to discuss creating the Robertson County Reinvestment Zone – Buffalo Meadow Energy Center, LLC, for the purpose of offering a tax abatement to support economic development. The proposed zone lies in Precinct 1 north of New Baden and covers approximately 2,100 acres owned by three landowners. No individuals spoke for or against the proposal during the hearing. Minutes from the February meeting were approved and entered into the official record, along with the County Clerk’s monthly report showing $25,127 collected in February 2026. District Clerk Barbara Axtell reported collections of $10,424.78 for the month. Emergency Management Coordinator Bill Huggins reported the countywide communications project is progressing well. Officials are working to secure a site in Hearne to provide full communications coverage in that area. Huggins also said local fire departments had no objections to lifting the burn ban due to significant rain forecast in the coming week. He reminded the court that a workshop will be needed to refine procedures for future burn bans. Charles Palcer, the county’s development representative, reported permit activity is slightly ahead of last year’s pace. Precinct 1 Commissioner Ty Rampy confirmed that $27,901.99 remaining from a financial contribution from Pinnacle Gas Treating, LLC will be used to pay rock invoices still being received for an approved road project. Rampy also received approval for a road bore permit under Camp Cooley Road for R Construction once the project begins. The bore will include a 16-inch casing and a 12-inch pipe. Brendan Grajewski of Savion Energy and Tom Doogle spoke on behalf of Buffalo Meadow Energy Center LLC requesting approval of the reinvestment zone for a proposed 2,100-megawatt solar production facility backed by Shell. Representatives said the renewable energy project has been under development for approximately five years and is nearing completion of due diligence. Construction could begin in early spring 2027. During discussion, Commissioner Hairston asked how many permanent jobs the facility would provide once operational. Representatives said the project would support between one and three permanent positions. Commissioner Chris Threadgill stated he would not support granting a tax abatement for a project producing only one to three jobs. Officials said the project is funded entirely by private investment, though it could qualify for certain federal incentives if applications are submitted within required deadlines. Land leases associated with the project would run approximately 30 years, with energy produced feeding into the main electrical grid. Representatives said agreements include commercially reasonable efforts to reclaim the land at the end of the project’s life and that equipment purchases will comply with federal sanctions. A motion by Commissioner Rampy to approve the reinvestment zone was seconded by Commissioner Taylor and passed 4-1, with Commissioner Threadgill voting against the measure. Constable Williamson later asked for clarification on handling proceeds from writs of execution used to satisfy court judgments. Commissioners discussed ensuring seized assets are not commingled with county funds. The court also approved several annual certifications of compliance from Jupiter Power LLC for Tidwell Prairie IA LLC, Tidwell Prairie IIA LLC, Barton Branch IA LLC and Bee Branch IA LLC under existing tax abatement agreements. Each measure passed with Commissioner Threadgill voting against.