Knox County Commissioners Hear Public Feedback on Solar Ordinance
- Nathan Springfield
- Mar 2
- 3 min read
KNOX COUNTY, Ind. (We Are Knox County) - Solar development is sparking debate in Knox County as residents and county leaders discuss possible changes to rules on setbacks, system maintenance, and land cleanup after projects.
Knox County’s current solar ordinance was adopted in 2020.
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Dozens of residents gathered at the Blue Jeans Community Center in Monroe City on Sunday to share their thoughts during a public comment meeting with Knox County Commissioners.
Opinions ranged from support for the current ordinance to calls for stricter rules and larger setbacks.
Some residents suggested a compromise.
“Despite strong evidence that a 200-foot setback is both safe and reasonable, and that nothing has changed to legally require an adjustment, we are willing to concede that 300 feet is something we can live with to move the ball forward,” one resident said.
Others pushed for significantly larger setbacks.
“The 300-foot setback recommended by the Area Plan Commission is almost embarrassing. Please approve much greater protections for Knox County citizens — starting with at least 750 feet of separation,” another resident told commissioners.
Several speakers voiced support for solar development, including Rod Myers, who said he believes solar energy can benefit the broader community — not just individual landowners.
“It’s my right as a landowner to decide what’s best for my family and our legacy,” Myers said.
“My neighbors haven’t walked in my shoes. What they do with their land is their choice. It’s not right to dictate what I do with mine.”
A few other residents shared similar views.
“I think landowners should be allowed to do what they want with their land. I think the 300-foot setback is fine,”
Meanwhile, other residents who spoke emphasized the need for stronger safeguards.
Tommy Merydith, president of the Knox County Coalition for Safe Solar, said he and others in the group are not opposed to solar development, but want additional protections in place.
“We’re asking that commissioners support a moratorium on new solar applications until these protections are in place,” Merydith said.
He added that commissioners should establish clear rules to protect homeowners and hold developers accountable.
Another resident expressed a similar view.
“I’m not against solar. I don’t think any of us are against solar. I’m not against renewable energy. I’m not against landowners making their own decisions. I just want it to be smart,” the resident said.
Do you think changes to Knox County’s current solar ordinance are needed?
Yes, I do
No, I do not
Following the meeting, both Myers and Merydith told WAKC News Now they were pleased with the discussion.
“I want to make sure my voice was heard,” Myers said. “We support clean energy and solar and the benefits of it.”
Merydith said his group is focused on ensuring residents are protected.
“We want greater setbacks and we want protections for our residents, and we’re not willing to look the other way just to create a money inflow for other landowners,” he said.
Knox County Commissioner President TJ Brink said he was pleased with the turnout and the respectful tone of the meeting.
“I think the meeting went well. We need to come together and work out a mutual compromise somewhere,” Brink said.
The commissioners will review the feedback and present proposals to the county’s attorney for any potential changes at their next regular meeting.
According to Brink, the county’s attorney will take those proposals and prepare a draft based on the commissioners’ recommendations.
Once a draft is completed, it will undergo a first reading during a regular meeting.
“We would then refer it back to the Area Plan Commission for review. The APC would make a recommendation — either favorable or unfavorable,” Brink said. “Once it comes back to us, we would hold a second and third reading.”
The next Knox County Commissioners meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 3 at 10 a.m. at Vincennes City Hall.
