McLEANSBORO — A proposed $300 million solar development and a request for additional funding for the Hamilton County Ambulance Service were among the major issues before the Hamilton County Board during its September 16 meeting.
Scott Groux of Zelestra Energy presented plans for CBox Solar, a proposed solar and battery storage development covering approximately 2,000 acres in Twig and South Twig townships. Groux said the project would represent an investment of more than $300 million and generate an estimated $18 million in local taxes over the life of the project.
The company planned to submit its formal application around the time of the meeting. The county agreed to hire Bellwether LLC to review the application, with the cost covered by the applicant’s fee and no expense to the county.
The Hamilton County Ambulance Service also requested additional financial support. Department representative Ashley Camden asked for a $50,000 budget increase and employee pay raises, noting staff members have not received a raise since January 2024.
Camden outlined steps the department has taken to reduce expenses and increase revenue. Those include changing oxygen suppliers and experimenting with an on-call shift aimed at capturing additional patient transfers.
The Ambulance Service also reported a recent employee resignation and discussed the need to renew its contract.
Following the resignation of Connie VanWinkle, Heather Bowman was appointed to the Ambulance Service Board. Bowman will complete a term ending in November before beginning a new three-year term.
During public comment, 4-H member Gracie Walker discussed her livestock competition accomplishments and upcoming competitions. Walker and her livestock quiz bowl team are preparing to represent Illinois at major events in Nebraska and at the North American International Livestock Exposition in November.
Several courthouse matters were also addressed. The board approved a $2,160 payment for electrical work and moved forward with a courthouse sign project using special-project funding. A separate $5,000 donation for the courthouse sign was also accepted.
Bellwether reported it continues to assist the county with budget planning and is working with the clerk’s office and Illinois EPA on a waste management plan. Officials hope developing the plan internally will avoid costs that can reach approximately $20,000.
Earlier, the county’s Road and Bridge Committee received an update on paving projects. Work on Dale Road is expected to be completed and striped by late September before crews move to Blairsville Road, where work is expected to continue into November.
The committee also discussed repairs to a collapsed culvert on Dale Road and other minor road issues. At the county’s new highway facility, handicapped parking has been completed, an overhead door has been ordered and electrical work with Kelly Electric is scheduled for October.