Solar panel company will pay taxes to town

NORTH CANAAN — A solar energy facility proposed to be built on Sand Road and a proposed payment agreement with the town were discussed at the regular monthly meeting of the Board of Selectmen on Monday, Dec. 7. The meeting was held on Zoom.

Representing the project undertaken through Lodestar Solar Energy, Kirt Mayland reported that the project proposed for the Green Acres development at the north end of town is presently going through an approval process with the Connecticut Siting Council. 

Noting that the solar project, as planned, would be exempted from payment of personal property taxes to the town, he was seeking to propose an agreement with the town for a plan that would function in lieu of payment of the town’s annual property taxes.

Hearing Mayland’s proposal, the selectmen were in agreement as to its fairness. The solar project would pay the town $15,000 in taxes annually for 20 years. A further suggestion by the selectmen that the project consider an incremental increase each year of 1.5% led Carrie Ortolano, associate general counsel for Lodestar, to agree to consider the add-on.

Selectman Craig Whiting said that the proposal seemed fair. To Selectman Christian Allyn’s question about what would happen after 20 years, Ortolano replied that generally the useful life of the equipment is then at an end.

First Selectman Charles Perotti said that he saw no problem with the town being guaranteed that income amount.  He plans to consult with the town attorney about the proposal.

Mayland indicated that he would appear at the January selectmen’s meeting to report on progress. His hope is to begin construction before the end of the year.

Perotti reminded residents that Town Hall remains closed due to COVID-19. It is important to call ahead for an appointment to schedule a visit. The main doors near the selectmen’s office are closed. Visitors with appointments are to enter through the door near the resident state trooper’s office.

Reacting to the recent uptick of local cases to 15, Perotti said, “Be careful, that’s all. Unfortunately, it’s in our town.”

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