Lee County, Georgia

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

Land Use Study on Effects of Large Scale Solar Energy Systems

February 19, 2021

Statements of qualifications and proposals are being requested from experts with a strong record in land use and conservation, to undertake a careful and deliberate study of the effects or potential effects of large scale solar energy system facilities upon future land use in Lee County for agricultural purposes, farming and farm-related businesses operating in Lee County, Georgia.

Background

Lee County is located in the heart of Southwest Georgia and is a rapidly growing community attracting young families to the excellent school system, while providing a moderate climate and beautiful landscape interspersed with creeks, lakes, plantations and traditional rural character. The southern portion of the county supports the majority of the residential, commercial and industrial development. The City of Leesburg is home to the school system and governmental buildings and serves as the county seat. Lee County is dedicated to encouraging a healthy mix of land uses while protecting and preserving prime agricultural areas for continued agricultural and agriculturally oriented uses. The intent is to preserve the open character of the area and protect the business of agriculture. The northern portion of the county is predominantly zoned AG-1 (Active Agriculture District) and applies to lands in productive farm operations. Natural resources and abundant wildlife offer recreational opportunities and scenic corridors to this important area. Quality, well-planned growth and the provision of community services is important, and the county strives to ensure a balance of revenue and expenditures. Dr. Jeffrey Dorfman conducted a study in 2018, on The Fiscal Impacts of Land Uses in Lee County: Revenue and Expenditure Streams by Land Use Category.

In January, 2020, a Solar Energy Systems Ordinance (SES) (Chapter 70, Article XXI) was adopted by the county, and provides for the siting, construction, installation and decommissioning, general and specific requirements of any new SES facility, to be constructed and operated in the AG-1 zone, within the unincorporated area of Lee County.

Numerous formal and informal inquiries regarding intermediate and large scale solar energy system facilities have been received within the recent past. The Board of Commissioners is concerned about the potential of substantial loss of existing agricultural land and farming operations within the county due to large scale solar energy system construction and operation. Certain proposals include requests for ad valorem tax abatements in order to finance construction of such solar facilities. It is not clear to the Board of Commissioners whether such proposed ad valorem tax abatements for the personal property of the solar array installed for the large scale SES facilities have a positive or negative long term effect on the county's ad valorem tax revenue.

Project Description: Study of Large Scale SES facilities effects

On January 26, 2021, a Moratorium was declared upon the issuance of a conditional use permit for any large scale SES facility through August 1, 2021. During this time, county plans to contract for expert consultant services to work with Lee County Staff, including but not limited to, the Planning and Zoning staff to complete a careful and deliberate study of the effects or potential effects of large scale SES facilities upon future of land use in Lee County for agricultural purposes, farming and farm-related businesses operating in Lee County.

Project Schedule

Proposals Due: March 19, 2021 by 5:00 p.m.

Contract Award: March 23, 2021

Draft Study and Presentation to BOC: May 25, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.

Final Study and Recommendation to BOC: June 22, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.

Information which should be submitted for our evaluation is as follows:

1. History of organization and resources
2. Key personnel/qualifications
3. Ability to meet work deadlines
4. Project scope and level of service proposed
5. Experience with similar projects and list of references
6. Fees
7. Statement of Qualifications Form

Interested parties should request copies of the Statement of Qualifications Form prior to preparing and submitting their proposal. Proposals should be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on March 19, 2021. Proposals received after the above date and time may not be considered. We reserve the right to accept or reject any and all proposals and to waive informalities in the proposal process. Questions, Statement of Qualifications and proposal packages should be submitted to the name and address listed below:

Rozanne Braswell, Planning Director
Lee County
102 Starkville Avenue North
Leesburg, Georgia 31763
Phone: 229-759-6000
Email: rozanne.braswell@lee.ga.us