Six-month moratorium placed for alternative energy CUPs and telecommunication facilities

POMEROY–The Garfield County board of commissioners (BOCC) passed a six month moratorium on acceptances of Conditional Use Permits (CUP), opened bids, and discussed the law enforcement contract between the City of Pomeroy and Garfield County at their meeting on August 5.

The commissioners passed Resolution 2024-16, enacting a six-month moratorium on accepting CUPs regarding alternative energy projects, as well as Resolution 2024-17, a six-month moratorium on telecommunication facilities. These moratoriums are to allow for tightening up of the county's land use regulations, policies, and procedures. They will not interfere with CUPs and telecommunication facilities that have already been approved, including the Appaloosa Solar Project. There will be a 60-day comment period regarding the moratorium, as well as a public hearing at the commissioners' office in the county courthouse on September 3 at 10 a.m.

The BOCC opened a bid from Atlas Sand & Rock for the winter's supply of road sand and chips. The bid totaled $9,865 for 500 tons. They also opened bids for the bleachers at the Garfield County Fairgrounds sale arena, with the apparent low bidder being DSN Sports at $10,620.83. The bids will be reviewed by department heads for completeness before being accepted by the board.

The commissioners also discussed the law enforcement contract between the City of Pomeroy and Garfield County. The current contract was signed in 2008 and the commissioners and City Councilmen are looking to bring it up to date. They discussed the possibility of having a liaison officer who functions as a go-between for the two entities.

The Appaloosa Solar Project CUP was approved by Andrew Kottkamp, the hearings examiner, on July 29. There is a 21 day appeal window.