School board unanimously rejects solar farm tax abatement
The Bandera ISD Board of Trustees met on Valentine’s Day and unanimously voted to reject the application by Montague Solar LLC for a large tax abatement for a proposed solar farm proposed for State Highway 3240 in Bandera County.
The regular board meeting was moved from its usual location to the cafeteria at Bandera Middle School in anticipation of a larger than average crowd. More than fifty people attended the meeting, all in opposition to the proposed project.
During the Citizens’ Comments portion of the meeting, each person was given three to five minutes at the microphone to express their opinion about an agenda item at the meeting.
Six Bandera ISD residents took the opportunity to thank the board for their attention and comment on the proposed tax abatement for Montague Solar. They gave a variety of opinions that included a comment about the short lifespan of the Tax Abatement or “313 Agreement” program due to the “sunset” in the fall, the farm’s possible environmental effects, the property tax reduction and its effect on taxpayers and the farm’s effect on county tourism.
While earlier meetings around the county had angry, vociferous vociferous commentary, the speakers at the Board Meeting were polite and willing to help the district make up any lost funds for the abandonment of the agreement.
Resident Darcy Hasty stated, “this is a bipartisan issue. I know you are open to listening to your public. Please vote against this deal. Just tell us what the kids need and we will get it for you.”
BISD Board President Brittany Hicks read a statement at the end of the comment period commending the public for their interest in this issue and encouraging everyone to work together in support of the school district.
By voting against the abatement, Bandera ISD loses approximately $50,000 a year in payments spread over ten to twelve years amounting to about $500,000 total. The tax abatement payments would also not be subject to recapture by the state of Texas, making it money that the district would keep in its coffers.
Now that the board voted against the abatement, Montague Solar will have to pay school taxes according to the appraised value of the property.
Montague Solar could approach the County for an abatement, but local negative sentiment was so strong that such an attempt would seem to be futile.
Senior Manager Alan M. Hancock has stated at a previous meeting that the project was only in the early stages and no development plan has been created and no investors secured.
The rush to secure an approved application seemed to be more in response to the looming “sunsetting” of the 313 Agreement law by the state.
In other meeting business, Garland Roofing made a presentation on their proposal about the now twenty-year-old Bandera Middle School Roof. The group presented slides showing where and how the roof was failing and gave suggestions showcasing their potential interest in the replacement process.
The board approved the 2022-2023 School Calendar.
Barcom Technologies was selected to rewire the Central Administration Complex and the Facilities Building for Internet.
The Board approved the donation of rubber mat flooring from RFS Rubber Flooring System, Inc. to be used in the high school weight room. The total value of the donation was just above $47,000.
The Board voted to select a competitive sealed bid procurement process for use in the replacement of Bandera Middle School’s roof. This same process was selected for use procuring replacement HVAC systems throughout the district.
The Board voted to approve the district’s enrollment in the TIPS Purchasing Coop and approved the Emergency School Closing Resolution. Option B of the plan to rezone the elementary attendance zones was selected by the Board.