The Voter Education Committee of the Saluda County Republican Party has been researching and writing about the potential harms of Data Centers and Solar Farms. The subject of the February 9 County Council meeting was “Project Octans,” and whether or not the county should enter into a FILOT (Fee in lieu of taxes) arrangement with the unknown company.
Later in the meeting it was revealed that Project Octans was a Solar Farm.
Gail Meyer and Regina Sanders spoke during Public Comment time, making points about Council transparency and the potential harms of Solar Farms. Chairman Jim Moore seemed exasperated when he responded to them.
The main question is, should Council incentivize a Solar Farm company by offering a tax break?
Citizens should study the issues surrounding Solar Farms carefully, and speak up if they have concerns. There will be a Public Hearing before the final reading and vote on Project Octans at a later meeting of council.
The Saluda GOP will inform those on our email list when that meeting is scheduled.
