SOLAR DISPUTE, SHERIFF CONTRACT AND BUDGET CONCERNS HIGHLIGHT PIKE COUNTY BOARD MEETING

PITTSFIELD — A threatened lawsuit over two proposed solar developments, a new union agreement for Pike County Sheriff’s Department employees and a difficult fiscal year 2027 budget picture highlighted Monday night’s Pike County Board meeting.

The board again took up the proposed Griggsville Solar East and Griggsville Solar West projects after denying permits for the developments in July. An attorney representing the developer told board members the company believes the denial was legally improper and is prepared to challenge the county in court if an agreement cannot be reached. The company has until October 23 to file an appeal.

Developer representatives told the board they would rather negotiate than litigate and offered some combination of payments totaling as much as $200,000 to Pike County as part of a potential resolution. Neighboring property owner Rebecca Bradshaw Myers also told the board she is willing to discuss possible solutions, while emphasizing concerns about the direct view of the proposed development from her property.Following a closed session concerning possible litigation, the County Board took no action to reverse its July decision. The solar permits remain denied for now, with the matter tabled until the September 8 board meeting while the parties continue discussions.

The board also approved a two-year Fraternal Order of Police agreement covering union employees in the Pike County Sheriff’s Department. The agreement includes a 3.5 percent raise in fiscal year 2026 and another 3.5 percent increase in fiscal year 2027, with existing health insurance language remaining in place. The contract passed 4-to-2.County finances were another major topic. Initial departmental requests for fiscal year 2027 currently leave the county’s general fund approximately $572,000 out of balance. Board members stressed those numbers represent preliminary requests rather than a finished budget and said reductions will be necessary before the spending plan is finalized.

The board also approved moving $50,000 in opioid settlement money into the county Drug Court program and approved an $89,223 internal budget transfer in the County Clerk’s office to properly classify personnel expenses without increasing the office’s overall appropriation.