Commercial Solar Legislation Discussed - Potential Community Planner For Middletown

Code Enforcement Officer Hiram Davis expressed an urgent need for renewable energy legislation at a workshop meeting on Nov. 5.

MIDDLETOWN - Code Enforcement Officer Hiram Davis urged Middletown board members to consider establishing commercial solar legislation at a workshop meeting on Nov. 5. After attending a land use leadership conference, Davis said, the largest discussion point was regarding renewable energy. Specifically, those solar farms over 25 megawatts. He suggested reviewing zoning and comprehensive plan language to ensure they align with the potential solar law. Davis worried legislation alone would not stand up in court.

Current zoning regulations require a special-use permit for any solar or wind energy projects, but provide little additional guidance. The Council has been working with the town attorney since June on establishing a solar law. The Council has also begun the process of updating the town's comprehensive plan. The Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee had its first meeting on Nov. 10th.

Supervisor Glen Faulkner said they intend to develop the law quickly. The council agreed to establish a moratorium on such projects until a law is established. They are expected to do so at the next regular meeting on Nov. 12, after press time.

Davis suggested that all language include wind energy projects as well as solar energy undertakings.

Faulkner noted that the board is not opposed to renewable energy, but has concerns about safety and the funding for decommissioning, among other issues.

A solar project is currently being developed along Highway 20 by Abundant Solar Power Inc., of Rochester. The farm is expected to take over 16 acres of the roughly 40-acre property. The 5-megawatt site has a decommissioning plan for 25 years after hookup. The Council has been pleased with the company and its communication thus far.

Community Planner

The council discussed a potential opportunity to hire a community planner to work with both the town and villages. The idea arose when representatives, through the Thriving Communities Technical Assistance program, identified a need, explained Councilmember Robbin Williams.

Margaretville was awarded a grant from the federal program, which provides guidance and resources to support transportation and housing initiatives.

Williams said the program might be able to assist with salary costs to hire a full-time town-wide community planner. If possible, the town would establish a committee to work with the individual to determine how to advance projects, as outlined in the Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant application. This could help move many projects from concept to completion, said Williams.

A hire would likely be a SUNY Delhi student, said Faulkner.

Mayor John Hubbell said they are awaiting more information from State representatives.

Budget

Two individuals spoke at the public hearing regarding the 2026 $4,573,287 tentative budget. The total proposed general fund is $1,481,612, an increase of $90,744. The total proposed highway budget is $2,766,351, an increase of $80,520. The proposed budget represents a tax increase of $86,595 or 2.6% over 2025. Taxes amount to $3,426,531 of the proposal.

One individual commented on the low revenue estimates. He noted that if those were closer to the revenue levels received in 2025, then the budget could be balanced more effectively and the tax levy could be lowered.

Bookkeeper Beth Bush said the revenue estimates could be reviewed; however, they are estimated low in order to avoid budget shortfalls.

Supervisor Glen Faulkner explained that any excess revenue at year's end is returned to the general unallocated fund, which is then used to balance the tax levy for the following year.

Council members are expected to adopt the budget at the regular monthly meeting on November 12, after press time.

Other Business

A representative from Cedar Wood is expected to attend the Nov. 12 board meeting to discuss bids received for the Arkville well project. The meeting takes place after press time.

The MARK Project will apply for a grant through Homeland Security for up to $50,000 for security enhancements for water districts.

The council is expected to request liability insurance quotes from various companies, as the current contract has increased significantly over the last five years, according to Faulkner.

A County weather station was installed on top of the Fire Department building.

The next workshop is scheduled Wednesday, Dec. 3, at 6 p.m.