Our zoomed meeting was mostly taken up by presentations from two guests, the first of which was Justin Bennett of Baldwin Business Services (BBS). Consistent with the board’s plan to use an outside service for bookkeeping starting in July of this year, Mr. Bennett discussed the services his firm could provide the town, including payroll. He answered several procedural questions raised by the board. A decision on an outside provider will be made at the next board meeting.
Representatives Anne Waling and Jeffrey Nemeth of Northland Power made a lengthy presentation on a proposed 100 MW solar installation that would be located on both sides for McAndrews Road to the split of Pingrey Hill Road. From that point it would run on the south side of Pingrey to Hess Road and include a small portion across County Route 12. They have signed leases with property owners for 969 acres and are in the early stages of the permitting process. Siting for projects of this size is regulated by NYS Office of Renewable Energy Siting. Potential benefits to the town include payments in lieu of taxes (PILOTS) which are negotiated by Allegany County IDA and a Host Community Agreement which also benefits the town. The representatives indicated the project investment would be $150 million and take about 18 months to construct. This project is in the very early stages and the board will update the community as we learn more.
The board made brief reference to the recently passed Marijuana Regulation and Tax Act. Even though uncertainty exists about much of this legislation it seems certain that if a marijuana retailer opened in the town we would get a portion of the 13% tax placed on sales. The town could pass a local law to prohibit a retailer although if that happened marijuana would still be legal in the town. More on this as it becomes known. Complete minutes at townofalfred.com
This post was sponsored by The Hann Homestead Inn! Having visitors from out of town? Tell them about this great place between Andover and Wellsville!!
