The Henry County Board of Supervisors held its regular meeting Thursday morning, covering a range of issues from road maintenance and infrastructure updates to bonding and debt service strategy from the counties financial advisor. Supervisor Marc Lindeen called the meeting to order.
Road Maintenance and Permits
County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss provided a comprehensive update on maintenance efforts, highlighting that recent rainfall had been both a challenge and an opportunity. Blading crews have been active, using the moisture to reshape roads throughout the county. Seeding efforts on Quincy Avenue and 35th Street were completed, though the team anticipates a return visit due to heavy rain.
Spot rock hauling was underway in muddy areas, and new signs were installed at the Quincy and 35th intersection. Mowing resumed after a brief weather delay.
On Hickory Avenue, plans are in place to start a major culvert replacement on Tuesday next week. The project involves removing a box culvert and adjacent pipe, and is expected to last about a week—weather permitting.
Construction Progress and Rock Crushing
Hotchkiss noted that Norris Asphalt made good progress on construction sites before the recent rain. Topsoil work is finished and seeding is the next step, contingent on ground conditions. Some erosion control measures, such as removing silt fencing and reclaiming steel posts, are ongoing.
Old Highway 4 saw the placement of a rock interlayer, which held up well under intense rain. While the contractor has temporarily moved operations, seal coating is expected in a few weeks.
Bonding & Debt Capacity Presentation
Heidi Kuhl of Northland Securities presented a detailed overview of Henry County’s general obligation debt and bonding capacity. The county’s total taxable valuation has grown steadily over the past five years, with average annual increases of 6% in total valuation and 2% in taxable value—impacted by changes in state-set rollback rates.
Henry County’s legal debt capacity currently stands at $92 million, with just $6.6 million in outstanding debt—primarily from the 2018 jail bond—leaving the county at only 7% of its legal limit.
Kuhl emphasized that the county is in a strong position to take on new projects if needed. The debt service levy for FY2025 is $0.64 per $1,000 of valuation, projected to drop slightly next year due to valuation growth.
Kuhl concluded by sharing interest rate charts, legal borrowing guidelines, and tips for planning future capital improvements.
Supervisors Review Revisions to Energy Overlay Ordinance
The Board then turned to the second reading of the proposed Alternative Energy Overlay District ordinance, a complex regulatory framework designed to guide the permitting and oversight of solar and wind energy projects in the county.
Planning officials and legal counsel walked the supervisors through a page-by-page review of the ordinance draft, which included updates in terminology, section references, and key policy areas such as fire suppression systems, noise compliance, and property value guarantees.
Several updates focused on ensuring clarity and consistency in language across solar and wind energy provisions, particularly in application requirements and setbacks. A notable change increased the required setback distance for wind turbines to 1.5 times their height.
Discussion also touched on escrow and bonding practices to ensure financial security for road repairs and public infrastructure. The Board acknowledged the complexity of balancing developer flexibility with the county’s need to protect assets and recover costs.
The ordinance remains in draft form, with additional readings and possible revisions expected in the coming weeks.
The Board is expected to revisit the sheriff’s legal counsel request during future meetings. A third reading of the alternative energy ordinance is anticipated, possibly accompanied by additional public input.
For questions or to obtain a copy of the updated ordinance draft, residents can contact the Henry County Planning Office or access materials online once posted.