By Stephen Smoot
The Wolf Summit power plant project planned for Pinnickinnnick Hill near Clarksburg passed another major stage last week with the Harrison County Commission in a session dominated by economic development issues and questions.
The opening invocation from Commissioner Patsy Trecost expressed appreciation and the hope that they “see the light that You Provide” to help them decide wisely for the people.
Commissioners first tackled a question related to the Charles Pointe tax increment financing end date extension. The City of Bridgeport had not yet responded to a Freedom of Information Act asked of them by the County Commission.
Laura Pysz-Laulis, Harrison County Administrator, shared that the County Commission resent the FOIA request “as a courtesy” to Patrick Ford, Bridgeport City Manager. She stated that Ford, who assumed office in late October of last year, was not aware of the request. It had come prior to his hiring.
Trey Simmerman, county counsel, advised that the County had sent a very broad request for very detailed information related to the City’s protest of the tax increment financing extension. He shared that the County’s computer systems had struggled recently to fill a FOIA request of a similar size.
Simmerman stated that it could take some time for the City of Bridgeport to fulfil the request.
“I spoke to Mr. Ford yesterday.” shared Susan Thomas, County Commission President. She added that “ he was not aware of the FOIA request, so he’s getting the City Clerk to gather the information.”
Commissioner David Hinkle asked “what are we going to do with this information? I mean, why did we request it?”
“The information was requested so that we could get background information,” said Simmerman. That information would help the County “to get a grasp on” the effect of the TIF on City infrastructure.
Commissioners and Simmerman also discussed the relative advantages and disadvantages of holding an executive versus a public special meeting to discuss related matters. Commissioners decided to hold off on the meeting, but will place the matter on the agenda for Feb 5.
The other main issue that came up lay in the approval of Wolf Summit Energy LLC’s PILOT and lease agreement. Commissioners went into executive session to first discuss the matter, then came out and voted unanimously to approve both.
Thomas later stated that she was “thankful we’re finally getting to this point with the power plant” and expressed appreciation to “all involved.”
The PILOT, or “Payment in Lieu of Taxes” agreement was entered on Oct 30 of last year by agreement with the Harrison County Commission, Harrison County Board of Education, the Sheriff of Harrison County, and the Assessor of Harrison County.
A PILOT payment in lieu of taxes differs from PILT, which also stands for “payment in lieu of taxes.” PILT refers to federal payments to counties for federal lands that local governments have no authority to levy taxes upon.
The original PILOT agreement extends back to April 9, 2015 and was amended on Oct 8 of that year.
Wolf Summit Emergy LLC agrees to develop a 625 megawatt natural gas combined cycle power plant on 120 acres of land under the action approved last week. They also agreed to, according to the text of the agreement, “make payments of certain amounts in lieu of ad valorem property taxes.” This helps them to free up capital to construct the facility in the immediate term.
Payments will take place twice a year, the first by Oct 1 and the second by April 1. No discounts for early payment will apply. Wolf Summit’s opening payment will be $60,000 and subsequent payments will be determined by a pre-established formula taking a number of other factors into account.
The County Commission also gave permission for the County to apply for $15,000 from the West Virginia Department of Agriculture’s spay and neuter program that aims to cut down on unwanted and feral domestic dogs and cats. With applications for spay and neuter assistance constantly rising, they will request $15,000 from the WVDA.