Dear Editor, As a former school board member, I have experienced the tax relief and economic benefit renewable energy projects bring to local schools and communities.
Because of new tax revenues generated by a local energy project, the Allen school district’s general fund levy decreased by $.30 per $100 of valuation – an annual savings of $3,000 on a $1 million piece of land. That is property tax relief and those are real numbers.
I also support sustainable large-scale livestock production. For example, a new livestock facility in Dixon County brings in $12,000 of property taxes, whereas the 101 wind turbines in the county generate more than $1.8 million ($18,000 per wind turbine) in property taxes annually.
We need both, and I support families that invest in livestock and energy.
The financial benefits generated by both solar and wind projects are crucial for communities and families alike. From the Rattlesnake Wind Project alone, farmers receive $2.5 million in annual lease payments.
Clean energy – when allowed to be developed with reasonable setbacks – provides real community benefits and property tax savings.
Sincerely, Kevin Connot, Allen
