ZBA admits economic exhibits over objection from opposing counsel

During the hearing on evidence for the 4 Creeks Wind Project, opposing counsel objected to the admission of materials describing economic impacts, arguing those matters fall outside the special‑use factors the board should consider. The presiding officer overruled the objections, saying the exhibits could be considered by the ZBA, and admitted Exhibits 23 (PowerPoint), 24 (economic impact analysis), and 25 (abbreviated local tax analysis) into the record.

Mister Uphoff moved the PowerPoint and reports into evidence; the objector repeated that economic impact was not among the listed special‑use factors. The presiding officer nonetheless ruled, "Exhibits 23, 24, and 25 were admitted. It may be considered by the zoning board of appeals in its deliberations." The admitted exhibits are now part of the record the board will use during its upcoming deliberations and when preparing a recommendation to the county board.