There was another large crowd in attendance Monday morning, March 1, for a meeting of Brown County Commissioners.  Most were there to speak during Public Comments concerning tax abatements on a proposed solar farm project in southwest Brown County.  Six of the speakers were against the proposed tax abatements that have been requested.  Two men were in support of the solar farm proposed near Brookesmith.

Those against were from a local organization called TLOW.  Their website is TLOW.org and states they are an organization of concerned landowners fighting to protect land rights and Texas native landscape.

Some of the speakers asked for the resignation of Wayne Shaw, Precinct 3 Commissioner, saying he has a conflict of interest in the proposed project near Brookesmith.

J.Y. Timmins, Precinct 3 resident, read from a prepared statement saying Shaw should resign. “By your own words, you have admitted that you have a conflict of interest and are unwilling to represent the wishes of the voters in your precinct.  You admit you cannot set aside your personal feelings on this issue,” the statement reads.

Steven Wilson presented a statement entitled Conflicts of Interest for Public Officials. “It has come to our attention that there may be a Commissioner that has signed a solar agreement, is planning on signing a solar agreement or will probably end up signing a solar agreement and could have a conflict of interest under the Code if they participate and/or vote in any matter involving these projects before the Commissioners Court for consideration.”   Wilson also presented an Open Records Request stating he wished to obtain the records of all communication commencing May 1, 2019 pertaining to the proposed Tax Abatement Request from IP Radian as well as any communication dealing with all leasing, options or purchase agreements for lands between any parties and the officers and employees of the county.

Speaking in favor of the solar farm project was John Connaway of Brookesmith.  He pointed out the County will lose $22.5 million annually in taxable property since Brownwood Regional Medical Center sold to Hendrick Health Systems because Hendrick is a non-profit.  He believes approving the solar tax abatement will help pay for the shortfall.

Kenneth Adams was in favor of the tax abatement saying it will benefit the students and teachers of Brookesmith ISD for many years to come.  He also said there is no change in land values of property near solar farms.

Others in opposition included Jeff Tucker who called for a full and transparent investigation into Shaw.  Katie Lord spoke and said there has been a violation of the public trust.

Shaw had no comments after the meeting.  Since the citizen comments were made during the Public Comments section of the Commissioners meeting, and not an agenda item, Commissioners can’t respond to the speakers.

READ A PREVIOUS ARTICLE HERE stating the cases for both sides of the proposed solar farm project.