Third time’s a charm as the Knox County Board looks to meet Wednesday to hold their January meeting after mother nature led to the postponement the last two weeks.
Board members will consider the approval of a Conditional Use permits for a solar farm located adjacent to ROWVA High School.
If approved, the 360-kilowatt solar garden would sit on about 62-acres of farmland at 395 Rova Drive in Oneida and would serve the electrical needs of the ROWVA School District.
Superintendent Joe Sornberger had previously told WGIL that the rate of electricity from the solar farm would be lower than that of the district’s current supplier, and would save the taxing body about a million dollars over a 20 year period.
Board documents include a review by Resource Conservationist Kara Downin of the Knox County Soil and Water Conservation District. She says that the request doesn’t pose an immediate conversation issue, but would actually be beneficial.
She cites a diversified habitat, deeper living roots in the soil for 12 months out of the year, and better erosion protection as examples of conservation benefits.
Board members will also consider approving the request for a new prosecutor with the Knox County State’s Attorney’s office. If approved, a new attorney could be starting as early as next month. The Finance Committee approved the hiring at a special meeting held on Monday. The new attorney would have a salary of $47,500.
The board will also consider the approval of a resolution to abate the tax levy for a pair of General Obligation bonds, the Build America and Recovery Zone bonds.
The county finance committee approved the resolution at their meeting last month. Treasurer Robin Davis told the committee that the bonds were being paid using public safety tax money.
She said that the Build America Bonds would be paid off first, and then by 2029, the Recovery Zone Bonds would be paid. Payments were staggered to reduce the tax burden on citizens.
The county board meets at 6:00 p.m. at Galesburg City Hall.
