Neosho County won’t issue moratorium on wind project

A motion for a moratorium against a proposed wind farm in Neosho County failed with all three county commissioners present at a special meeting Thursday evening.

Commissioners also voted to change their meetings to Thursday evenings from Friday mornings when a commissioner decided against resigning.

The discussion on the proposed Neosho Ridge wind project filled the courtroom at the Neosho County courthouse to capacity, but was less dramatic than previous commission meetings. A representative of Apex Clean Energy, developers of the project, had 30 minutes to make a presentation, then a representative of non-participating landowners had 30 minutes to present the opponents’ concerns. The commission then met in executive session with an attorney for an hour before considering the moratorium.

Commissioner Paul Westhoff, whose district covers the area of the proposed project, proposed a six-month moratorium, but the motion died without a second. Commissioner David Bideau said he was opposed because a moratorium equates to a ban, and Commissioner Jennifer Orr said she opposed it due to zoning laws. Orr, who missed county commission meetings during December, apologized for her absence and said she does not want to resign.

County Commissioner Jennifer Orr reportedly told County Counselor Seth Jones she would resign, but had not properly submitted written notice to the State and the county clerk. Friday morning, officials said they understood Orr withdrew her plans.

Commissioners voted Thursday evening to move their meetings to 6 pm on Thursdays to avoid job scheduling conflicts.