Meridian City Council deliberates on Yellowjacket Solar Farm tax issues

The Meridian City Council discussed during its regular meeting on Monday, June 10, 2024, ongoing financial and administrative issues surrounding the Yellowjacket Solar Farm. This discussion, which focused on the solar farm’s tax status and payments, brought to light several concerns and misunderstandings.

Taxation changes and misunderstandings

The discussion kicked off with highlights of a significant change in the tax base for the solar farm. Previously, the solar farm had been paying only 20-percent of its taxes, but this year it transitioned to a full 100-percent tax contribution.

However, a point was raised regarding a lump sum payment that was allegedly promised when the tax abatement was initially granted.

During discussion, it was saidthattherewasarecorded agreement indicating that Meridian ISD was supposed to receive a lump sum check ranging from $90,000 to $100,000. This agreement, apparently documented in previous council minutes, has yet to be fulfilled or clarified.

Investigation and clarifications

The council has been attempting to track down the details of this agreement. It was acknowledged that despite the solar farm now contributing 100-percent in taxes, the lump sum payment issue remained unresolved. Efforts have been made to locate this promise in the council's minutes and to determine if the payment was ever made to the school district.

Council members speculated that the funds might have been integrated into the regular tax payments, a possibility that needs thorough verification. Meridian City Hall, the county tax office, and other involved parties are currently investigating whether the school district ever received this specific payment.

Administrative challenges

Further complicating the matter is the challenge of contacting the correct stakeholders.

Meridian City Secretary Tiffany Gentry mentioned that while the appraisal district has accurate ownership information, it lacks direct contact details, making it difficult to resolve ownership queries or follow up on tax payments directly. To assist in these complex issues, the council has engaged experts in tax and school-related financial matters.