The Knox County Board has a packed agenda for tonight’s meeting, which includes the consideration to approve 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 the approval of a resolution to abate the tax levy for the General Obligation Alternate Revenue Bonds, also known as the Build America and Recovery Zone Bonds.
The county finance committee approved the resolution at their meeting earlier this 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 could also approve the selling of a Mary Davis Home vehicle, a 1999 Dodge Ram van that is used exclusively for transporting recycling.
Board documents indicate that the van is to be sold, and a dumpster would be rented to continue to recycle.
Additionally, the board has a handful of appointments to make for the Elba-Salem Fire Protection District, as well as the 708 Board of Mental Health.
The county board meets Wednesday night at 6:00 at Galesburg City Hall.
