Supervisor McVicker suggests moratorium on battery storage expansion after public comments

Supervisor McVicker told the Franklin County Board of Supervisors on May 5 that he has received "lots of comments" from residents about battery storage facilities and suggested the board consider a moratorium on future battery expansion.

The suggestion came during a broader update from Jay Waddingham, the county's Secondary Roads Engineer, who said he and county staff have been in contact with Alliant and are working on a road‑use agreement that would apply retroactively and to any future projects. The agreement is intended to clarify road repair and funding responsibilities for developers and utilities using county roads.

Auditor Katy A. Flint told the board it would be difficult to put a moratorium in place before the county's Planning & Zoning Commission meets at the end of May because of publication and notification requirements for such an emergency or interim regulation. The board did not vote on a moratorium during the session.

Why it matters: Large battery storage projects can affect local roads, permitting, and neighbors' concerns about safety and siting. McVicker framed his suggestion as a response to community feedback and as a means to pause approvals until the county has clear terms and Planning & Zoning has had a chance to consider formal regulations.

Next steps: Planning & Zoning is scheduled to meet at the end of May; county staff will continue negotiating the road‑use agreement with Alliant and will return to supervisors with any formal proposals or regulatory options for the board to consider.