Taylor County Leaders Reject Wind Company's $7.4M Tax Offer
ABILENE, Texas ( KTAB/KRBC ) — The wind turbines in the western hills of Taylor County might soon vanish. Recently, representatives from the wind energy firm AES had a meeting about this issue. With county leaders to talk about a tax break agreement, providing the county financial inducements along with various perks over the upcoming twenty-five year period.


During the latest Taylor County Commissioners Court gathering, representatives from the wind energy firm AES presented a proposal to the county aiming to obtain a tax break for an upcoming project focused on renewing their wind turbine infrastructure within the region. The objective of AES is to substitute older wind turbines situated in the west part of Taylor County, which have been operational for approximately two decades now. Across both Taylor and Nolan counties, they plan to update 117 out of their total 282 units; these new installations will be about 200 feet higher compared to the current models and feature built-in fire-suppression systems per unit.

To assist with financing this large-scale project, the AES suggested filing for a tax break with Taylor County. As part of this arrangement, the county would receive benefits from AES, including approximately $7.4 million in funds along with perks such as vehicles provided to county volunteer fire departments, emergency medical services, and the Sheriff’s Department throughout a 25-year span.
The reaction from local leaders to this suggested agreement probably wasn’t what AES officials anticipated. Multiple commissioners highlighted over two decades worth of interactions with AES, emphasizing inadequate dialogue between the corporation and the county as well as weak ties within the community, which raised doubts among county members concerning striking an accord with AES. Taylor County Judge Phil Crowley underscored the firm’s insufficient engagement with locals and discussed worries expressed by county inhabitants related to the wind turbines.
I'll be upfront; people outside are upset about the wind turbines," Crowley stated. "The fire department is also unhappy with them." He continued, "From what I gather, you all haven't provided any funding to the fire departments despite the fact that these wind turbines have sparked several fires in the area.


Judge Crowley wasn't alone in voicing concerns about the company. Precinct 1 Commissioner Randy Williams also shared his complaints regarding AES and pointed out an occasion when their communication proved unsatisfactory.
You somewhat bring to mind a lawyer dealing with an exceptionally difficult client," Williams stated. "I've been in touch with your company's CEO, asking them to contemplate assisting us in buying a water tanker trailer aimed at aiding the volunteer fire departments. However, I received no reply—no acknowledgment, not even a simple 'thank you' for my correspondence. This silence, along with our past interactions, leaves a bad taste in my mouth regarding AES.
The AES representatives further stated that should an agreement with the county fail to materialize, they won’t substitute the outdated turbines with newer models but instead will dismantle and remove the current equipment. Currently, the county hasn't made any moves regarding the AES tax abatement request; according to them, without a commissioner pushing to add this topic to a forthcoming meeting schedule, it probably won’t come up again in their sessions.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This content must not be republished, distributed, broadcasted, or rewritten without permission.To get the most recent updates on news, weather, sports, and live videos, visit KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com.
Posting Komentar untuk "Taylor County Leaders Reject Wind Company's $7.4M Tax Offer"