During the Public Comment section of the Brown County Commissioners meeting Monday morning, March 1, a total of eight speakers were given the floor to speak concerning tax abatements on proposed solar farm projects in Brown County.  Several asked for the resignation of Precinct 3 Commissioner Wayne Shaw, citing conflict of interest.

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.

Several of the speakers singled out Precinct 3 Commissioner Wayne Shaw saying he had a conflict of interest in the proposed solar farm at Brookesmith.  Precinct 3 resident J.Y. Timmins 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 Charles Conway of Brookesmith.  He pointed out the County will lose $22.5 million annually in taxable property value 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.

Background:

In a meeting December 7, 2020, Dale Cummings and Christian Fiene, representing Intersect Power, addressed Commissioners.  They were there to ask for a tax abatement for the proposed solar arm project near Brookesmith.  The project would cover approximately 3,000 acres and produce 300 mega watts of power, enough to power over 50,000 homes.  Proponents say the project would create 300 jobs during construction and 2 permanent jobs after construction.

In session December 14, 2020, Brown County Commissioners Court voted 4-1 to retain Allison, Bass & McGee, LLP, as consultants for insight into tax abatements.  Members of TLOW have had a strong turnout at several commission meetings so far this year.