The Henry County Board of Supervisors held its third public hearing on Tuesday, May 6, giving residents another opportunity to weigh in on a proposed wind energy ordinance.
Don Briggs opened the comments, sharing regret over signing a wind lease. “I thought the man was telling me the truth,” Briggs said. “Maybe he was, maybe he wasn’t — but I wish I hadn’t signed.”
Diana Burden raised concerns about setbacks and the long-term commitments landowners face. “I do not believe the turbines will help our community,” she said, emphasizing risks to local roads and emergency services. Dorothy Winger added that the turbines conflict with the county’s comprehensive plan to protect valuable farmland.
Brian Messer questioned whether standards being applied to wind energy, like noise and lightning exposure, would be fairly applied to other county structures. “Are we going to hold that standard to everything or just one organization?” he asked.
Wrapping up the hearing, Lynn Humphries reminded the board that decisions made today will affect the county for generations. “Measure twice, cut once,” she urged.
The board announced the first reading of the ordinance will take place Thursday, May 8, with two additional readings scheduled for May 15 and 22. Copies of the ordinance will be available at the auditor’s office and online before the next meeting.