Washington County is taking action with a Wind Energy Ordinance that could reshape property valuation and taxation.

More than 60 county residents attended the special Listening Session Tuesday, April 11 to express opinion and ask questions. Photo Credit: thenews-ia.com

The Washington County Supervisors have taken the first step toward implementing the county Wind Energy Ordinance, focusing on the assessment of Wind Energy Conversion Property. This ordinance aims to establish a special valuation system for properties converted to wind energy use within the county.

The ordinance's coverage includes all elements of a wind plant, encompassing wind chargers, windmills, wind turbines, towers, electrical equipment, and notably, transformers, power lines, and substations. Terry Anderson of Farm Bureau, speaking during the public hearing preceding the first reading, described the assessment as akin to a utility tax, based on Net Acquisition Cost (NAC).

The assessment's structure involves a gradual increase in the tax percentage over seven years. In the initial assessment year, no tax percentage is applied to NAC. However, by the second year, it reaches 5%, and it continues to increase in 5% increments until reaching a cap of 30% by the seventh year, remaining at this level for subsequent years.

During discussions, concerns were raised about the absence of checks and balances in valuing wind energy properties and the lack of verification regarding electricity production. This ordinance was prompted by the rise in wind energy operations, with neighboring Madison County adopting a similar ordinance due to emerging concerns.

Supervisor Jack Seward, Jr. expressed support for the proposed ordinance, calling it "a pretty good idea." The issue is expected to be on the agenda for next week's meeting.

Source: thenews-ia.com