Committee approves PILOT agreements for two solar projects under RPTL §487; NYSERDA guidance cited

The committee approved two resolutions on June 3 authorizing the chair of the Ulster County Legislature to execute payment-in-lieu-of-tax (PILOT) agreements under Real Property Tax Law §487 for two county-area solar projects.

Deputy Executive LaValle explained these arrangements are anticipated revenue agreements (sometimes described informally as "reverse pilots") used to establish payments for otherwise tax-exempt renewable energy facilities under state rules and NYSERDA guidance. "It's anticipated revenue. So it is a reverse pilot ... and it was done in coordination with NYSERDA," LaValle said.

Why it matters: PILOT agreements provide a predictable revenue stream to local taxing jurisdictions while enabling large-scale solar projects to proceed. The committee adopted the Bailey's Gap Solar LLC agreement and a separate agreement for Highland 201 Solar LLC (including the town of Marlboro and Marlboro Central School District as affected jurisdictions).

Vote and details

- The committee voted to adopt the Bailey's Gap Solar PILOT (Resolution 276) and the Highland 201 Solar PILOT (Resolution 277); both passed unanimously in committee.

- LaValle said NYSERDA's formula and project-specific spreadsheets inform the negotiated payment amounts; the resolution text authorizes the chair to sign the PILOT agreements and any necessary amendments.

Ending

Both PILOT resolutions were adopted and will be forwarded to the full Legislature for final execution; committee members asked staff to ensure coordination with affected towns and school districts.