Northampton County to seek counsel on solar ordinance as residents protest Sun Energy deal

The Northampton County Board of Commissioners voted to amend the agenda to include a "solar farm, ordinance update" and was later told the county has been in contact with a Raleigh attorney to review its ordinance.

County staff member McKellar told the board he had spoken with attorney Brian Bryce and that "we would have his proposed engagement letter" the next day, which the county expects to present to the board at its following meeting.

The action follows sustained public concern from residents of the Voltaq area about commercial solar projects. Sylvia Vincent told the commissioners she felt the county had failed to consult the community before approving terms with Sun Energy 1 and requested an appointment to review "the signed agreement with Sun Energy." Vincent said the Voltaq area had been left out of decisions that, she said, harmed local habitat and public health.

Commissioners emphasized the county will present the engagement letter for formal consideration before any ordinance changes are adopted. No ordinance text or regulatory amendments were presented or approved at the meeting.

The board made the agenda amendment by motion; the chair called for a voice vote and the motion carried.

Outlook: County staff said written engagement terms from an outside attorney will be brought back to the board for formal action. Residents will continue to press for transparency about what concessions, if any, the county offered in exchange for project investments.