Commissioners question referendum process after petition to limit wind and solar advances to ballot

Richland County commissioners discussed and criticized aspects of a petition recently certified by the county board of elections that will place a referendum on wind and solar siting on the May 2026 ballot.

During a public portion of the Sept. 4 meeting, a resident noted the petition had been certified by the board of elections. Commissioner Daryl (identified on the record by first name) said the organizers "have a right to have this petition on" the ballot but expressed concern about what he described as some signers having been told untruthful information when asked to sign. "I would also say that I'm a little disappointed at the board of elections," Daryl said, noting an organizer who is on the board took part in moving the petition forward.

Commissioner Tony Vero said the issue raises jurisdictional questions. "My take on this ... is it's basically a zoning issue," Vero said. He and other commissioners said conditional zoning authority generally rests with township trustees and municipal councils, and they questioned whether voters who live inside municipal limits but are not governed by township zoning should decide zoning for unincorporated areas. Vero said he had spoken with state legislators about amending the referendum process so it aligns with the original legislative intent and to ensure townships retain decision-making authority.

No formal action was taken on the referendum at the meeting. Commissioners urged voters to evaluate information from both sides when the ballot measure campaign begins, and they said they will monitor any legislative changes proposed in response to the petition and certification.