The Van Wert County Courthouse

Friday, Mar. 29, 2024

Wind energy = needed revenue

Let’s face it, Van Wert County like most rural communities in the United States, is no stranger to the opioid epidemic. Mental health, school safety, and workforce development are also at the forefront of small communities across the nation.

By Vicki Profit, Republican candidate for county commissioner

In a time where Van Wert is losing population and our median age is climbing, what realistic sustainable solution do we have to pay for new initiatives or help to ensure existing services remain operational? Combating drug epidemics, providing first class rehabilitation services, and making sure each school in our county has the ability to permanently hire a full time school resource officer are all examples of things that could benefit from additional funds through new renewable energy projects.

We have nearly 11,000 residents in the Van Wert city limits that have spoken loud and clear that a tax increase of any kind is not wanted. To ignore additional opportunities in wind energy as a sustainable solution to looming tax increases would be a shame.

Understanding just how large the impact wind has had, and will continue to have, in the county has unfortunately gone by the wayside. Current leadership has not supported or worked together with our elected officials in Columbus to encourage necessary legislation designed to address the current setback rule stalling construction statewide.

A potential billion-dollar investment in our community sits ready awaiting Ohio Senate Bill 238. Residents who support renewable energy have expressed to me their concerns with the downturn in support locally for future renewable energy projects and the many benefits they bring to rural communities.

This new project has the potential to increase the Van Wert tax base by over $5 million annually, adding nearly half a million dollars each year to the county general fund. I will support the best decision for our entire county. Not having to raise our taxes is my commitment to you.

POSTED: 04/05/18 at 6:23 am. FILED UNDER: Opinions