Solar farm possible in Marengo County
If all goes as planned, Marengo County could be the site of an 800-acre solar panel farm southwest of Linden by the end of 2022.
The Marengo County Commission Tuesday approved a 10-year tax abatement for Sofos Harbert in the company’s efforts to locate a solar farm on what is now Westervelt land. The tax abatement covers the county portion of sales and use tax, except for what is earmarked for education.
Once in operation the facility would produce enough energy to power 10-15,000 homes, said Chris Barry, project development manager. He said Sofos Harbert is a joint company by the Spanish company Sofos and B.L. Harbert Construction in Birmingham.
The project still has other hurdles to jump before it gets the final approval, including an agreement with Alabama Power. Barry said his company hopes to complete plans by the end of this year and get final approval and begin construction plans during 2021.
Barry said the company will have a $110 million investment in the solar farm and would rebate to the county some $9 million over the estimated 35-year life span of the facility. Few resources will be needed from Marengo County; 500 temporary jobs would be involved in the construction, and two or three permanent jobs will be created once the farm is up and running.
Mitchell Contractor out of Catherine was the only bidder to pave the parking lot across from the Courthouse. The Commission approved the bid of $19,100, with Calvin Martin the dissenting vote.
Martin also was the only “no” vote when the Commission decided against hiring young people as summer workers. “We don’t need to put those young people out here,” said Chairman Freddie Armstead. Referring to the COVID-19 crisis, he continued, “Let’s let this thing die down.”
The Commission directed solid waste officer John Bell to hire part time workers to pick up trash at hot spots along county roads.
Fred Hansard, former manager of the Demopolis Yacht Basin, was named to the Marengo County Port Authority board, and former Juvenile Probation Officer Darren Glass was named to the board of the county’s Department of Human Resources.
Probate Judge Laurie Hall said the July 14 runoff election is expected to have a low voter turnout, but her office is taking all precautions during the coronavirus pandemic.
“We’re trying to do everything we can to keep everybody safe,” she said. That includes laying in a supply of masks, face shields, gloves and sanitizer not only for the run-off election but for the general election in November, if they are needed.
Hall encouraged those at risk from the virus to vote by absentee ballot.