In session Monday morning, December 14, Brown County Commissioners Court voted 4-1 to retain Allison, Bass & McGee, LLP, as consultants for a potential Brown County Solar Project with Intersect Power.

As reported previously, IP Radian Solar LLC, from California, has proposed a 300 mega-watt solar power farm west of Brookesmith.

The no-vote to approve retaining the consulting firm came from Brown County Judge, Dr. Paul Lilly.

“I say with the greatest respect for Commissioner Worley, I’m not in favor of this project from the very beginning.  Therefore I cannot, in good conscience, vote to retain someone for a project that I’m not going to vote for in the beginning.  That’s no reflection whatsoever on Commissioner Worley’s response to this,” Judge Lilly stated.

The agenda item to consider retaining the law firm was placed on the agenda by Precinct 1 Commissioner, Gary Worley.

“To respond to your comment, I think that this court would be remiss if we didn’t look at any possible positive effect that a tax abatement would have for the county, not just to say out of hand no, or, the other way, out of hand say yes.  I think we need to educate ourselves.  None of us sitting on this court are experts in tax abatement.  I think we need guidance and that’s what Allison, Bass & McGee are going to give us,” Worley said.