The Marlboro County Council gave first reading to a resolution supporting a proposed privately sited 75‑megawatt solar project after a presentation from economic development staff. The director described the project as part of the county’s longer‑term infrastructure and capacity strategy and said the county could expect roughly $4,000 per megawatt per year in local payments (about $300,000 annually for a 75‑MW project), subject to finalized agreements.

Council members asked about local benefits beyond payments, whether the project creates permanent jobs, siting on private land versus county land, decommissioning and cleanup responsibilities, and whether the county needs zoning tools to prevent industrial encroachment into residential areas. The economic development director said the project would be on private land, typically includes a multi‑decade term (staff noted 'typically 30 years'), and that the county is pursuing a "0 waste" approach to require recycling and decommissioning provisions when possible.

One council member expressed reservations about land conversion and long‑term cleanup if companies dissolve or an LLC is used for projects; staff said legal language can be inserted to bind decommissioning responsibilities and fee‑in‑lieu arrangements. The council approved the item for first reading; one member abstained and asked for more information before a final vote.