Alternative Energy Overlay revisions continue

MT. PLEASANT — Henry County supervisors removed the third reading of the alternative energy overlay ordinance from their May 29 agenda, choosing instead to hold more work sessions after continued amendments stalled the process.

The proposed ordinance, which would regulate the placement and development of commercial wind and solar energy systems in unincorporated areas of the county, has been under debate for over a year. Public input, procedural questions, and changing board opinions have contributed to a lengthy revision process.

“We need to have three straight meetings with no changes,” said Henry County Assistant Attorney Steve Geibelhausen. “That third one with no changes would be the final one.”

Geibelhausen told the board that recent amendments during the first two readings created legal uncertainty about whether the ordinance could be adopted. Because state law requires three consecutive readings without changes for final approval, he recommended pausing the formal process until the board agrees on a stable draft.

That uncertainty prompted Supervisor Chad White to revisit a decision he had made the previous week. White had supported removing language from Section 6.2.11 — a provision that outlines location criteria for energy projects — but said he had since reconsidered.

“I’ve thought about it all week,” White said. “The description in there is in there for good reason. It further defines the location and everything.”

White supported a motion to table the reading and continue discussions in a work session setting. The board voted unanimously to take the third reading off the agenda.

“I would like to get to the end of this,” White said. “But if I didn’t do this today, I’d always think I should have — and here I am.”

Supervisor Marc Lindeen agreed, saying the board should avoid continued piecemeal revisions during official meetings.

“Let’s have more work sessions so we have all that worked out ahead of time,” Lindeen said.

The ordinance was drafted to provide clear zoning and safety rules for commercial-scale wind and solar installations, including setbacks, noise limits, decommissioning requirements, and protections for neighboring property owners. The Henry County Planning and Zoning Commission began its review last year, but several meetings have been delayed or revisited as the draft evolved.

Amid widespread interest and concern from residents, the Board of Supervisors enacted a moratorium on new wind energy zoning requests. In January, they extended that moratorium through Sept. 2, 2025, to allow more time to finalize the ordinance.

Supervisors have not yet scheduled their next work session. Until the board reaches consensus on a final draft, further readings will remain on hold.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com