May 7, 2026 Meeting Minutes

PROCEEDINGS FOR
TAYLOR COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

The Taylor County Board of Supervisors met in regular session at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday,
May 7, 2026. Supervisor Jack Beggs called the meeting to order at 9:05 a.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Supervisor roll call: Beggs, Fitzgerald and Wall present. Also present, Auditor Judy Henry, Engineer Seth Sunderman, Matt Eberl, Apex and Nikki Lock, Bedford Times Press.

Wall made a motion to amend today’s agenda to include item b in the Secondary Roads section to read
b. Discussion and possible approval to purchase a used tractor for mowing. Fitzgerald seconded,
MC 3-0.
Fitzgerald made a motion to approve the amended agenda and minutes from the April 30 regular session and April 30 public hearing. Wall seconded, MC 3-0.

PUBLIC COMMENT:
None

COMMITTEE REPORT:
None

SECONDARY ROADS:
There were no utility permits. Engineer Sunderman presented a quote for a 1982 JD 4440 in the amount of $34,000, with 8200 hours owned by Tyson Henning. Sunderman in past they leased a tractor for mowing but the cost of the lease and claims were no longer cost effective. Chris Lock and Jason Minor test drove the tractor and checked mechanical condition; no issues were found. Wall motioned to purchase the JD 4440 for $34,000, Fitzgerld seconded, MC 3-0.

NEW BUSINESS:
Auditor Henry reviewed the IMWCA audit with the Board. She shared the past 5-10 years loss ratio for Taylor County was 85%, the past 1-5 years the ratio dropped to 35%. Suggestions were to have the safety committee meet more often to discuss any claims and search for ideas to improve safety. Remind employees of proper safety procedures.
Further discussion on the current need for a land use ordinance on data centers, battery storage, mineral extraction and solar panels was held. Beggs reported he had talked to other counties, he suggested amending the current moratorium Taylor County has on construction of wind turbines in un-incorporated areas of Taylor County. Fitzgerald motioned to amend Taylor County Resolution 2023-21 to include data centers, solar panels, wind turbines and battery storage. Wall seconded, MC 3-0. Henry suggested amending the amendment as they did not include mineral extractions. Wall motion to amend the amendment to include mineral extractions, Fitzgerald seconded. MC 3-0.
The Board worked on finding individuals to serve on the committee for the land use ordinance. Suggestions included Assessor, Auditor, Engineer, Attorney, Sanitarian, one supervisor, IT specialist, representative from SIRWA, representative from REC, farmer and rural citizen. All Board members will make some contacts with the suggestions and report back at the May 14th meeting.
Matt Eberl with APEX reported on the progress of the Black Maple wind project. He relayed a majority of the studies are complete. They are currently working on surveys and are prepared to possibly submit the permit package to the Engineer in August. Eberl had a question on wording of Taylor County Ordinance #37 as it pertains to the WECS (Wind Energy Conversion System) application. APEX just wanted the County to clarify that the WECS doesn’t pertain to the underground cabling. Henry stated she would talk to Attorney Wells on the subject and get back to Eberl.
OLD BUSINESS:
Culp gave an update on maintenance for the courthouse.
Claims against the County were reviewed and approved.

The Board discussed items for the next meeting.

Fitzgerald made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Wall seconded, MC 3-0.
Meeting adjourned.

The Board of Supervisors approve these unofficial minutes to be published in the local newspapers and upon approval in the Taylor County Board of Supervisors Minute Book:

_____________________________
Jack Beggs, Chairman
Taylor County Board of Supervisors

__________________________________
Attest, Judy Henry
Taylor County Auditor