Citizens Oppose Tax Breaks for Solar, Wind at County Meeting
The Young County Commissioners’ Court heard impassioned testimony on April 14 during a wide-ranging public discussion over whether the County should grant a tax abatement to Titus Energy for a proposed solar farm project in the southern part of the county.
The proposed development, which could span up to 4,000 acres, has sparked concerns among nearby landowners about aesthetics, transparency, and longterm sustainability—despite potential economic benefits touted by County officials.
Commissioners have not yet voted on the tax abatement, but the April 14 discussion offered a glimpse into the complexity of balancing economic development with local interests. Titus Energy has leased approximately 2,200 acres for the solar project and is actively negotiating for more. According to County Judge Win Graham, the company has offered to reimburse the county up to $20,000 in legal fees to negotiate an abatement agreement.
Residents voiced a number of concerns, including the project’s potential to lower property values, damage rural roads, disrupt scenic views, and harm the environment. Chief among them was landowner Marian Montgomery, who said her nearby property sits at a higher elevation with direct lineof- sight to the proposed solar field.
Ms. Montgomery and others questioned the lack of an environmental impact study, the transparency of the project’s long-term intentions, and whether Titus intends to resell the project once assembled—a common practice in the renewable energy industry.
Several residents expressed frustration that the solar company had not been present to answer questions directly and pointed to a broader pattern in the renewable sector—where companies seek local tax breaks, leverage state and federal incentives, and then flip projects to other operators.
“They haven’t shown up since February. They haven’t talked to us. And now we’re being asked to give them a tax break?” said local landowner Harvey Johnson, who opposes the abatement.
Some called on the court to at least once say “no” to a tax abatement request and see if the project proceeds anyway, arguing that counties may be negotiating against themselves in an effort to compete with neighboring jurisdictions.
“We’re effectively giving up millions in tax revenue for a short-term benefit,” said one speaker. “Why not try saying no and see if they still come?”
While the tone of the meeting was largely skeptical of the solar proposal, the conversation also ventured into broader economic planning, with some residents urging the county to consider establishing a 391 Commission— a sub-regional planning authority that could help shape development in a more coordinated, long-term way.
Others promoted alternatives to solar altogether, notably a micro nuclear energy project underway in nearby Haskell County. A representative from that effort noted the project requires no tax abatement, uses minimal land and water, and creates more permanent jobs.
“It’s a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable option,” said one commenter. “We should be thinking 50 years down the road, not just the next tax cycle.”
Judge Graham and other commissioners pushed back on the notion that the county had made up its mind, emphasizing that no vote had been taken and that due diligence—such as contacting other counties with similar projects—is ongoing.
Graham clarified that every project approaching the county is treated independently and that Young County officials are trying to strike a balance between attracting industry and protecting residents’ interests.
“We’re not out soliciting these companies,” Graham said. “They’ve all come to us. And it’s our job to make sure that, if they do come, we’ve thought through every angle.”
The Court must establish a reinvestment zone before any tax abatement can be formally considered. That process will require a public hearing, with notice provided to residents. Commissioners indicated that they were not prepared to vote at the April 14 meeting and would take residents’ feedback into account as they move forward.