The Decatur County Commissioners voted to retain Barnes & Thornburg LLP to represent the county in connection with the Board of Zoning Appeals’ August 6, 2025, decision to unanimously deny Cobia Solar LLC’s special exception request for an industrial solar project. Cobia Solar LLC filed a Verified Petition for Judicial Review on September 5, 2025, in Jennings County Superior Court. (For more information on the petition: Cobia Solar Files Appeal in Jennings County Court After Decatur County BZA Denial – WTRE Radio)
The commissioners noted that they have previously worked with the firm on matters involving Cobia Solar LLC and believe its expertise and resources make it the best choice to handle the petition. Commissioner Jeremy Pasel also stated that they do have a deadline that they must respond to the petition. The deadline for a response is October 1, 2025. Doug Westerfeld, Area Plan Director stated that he has the files ready to be sent over to Barnes & Thornburg LLP tomorrow morning.
The commissioners discussed ideas that Christopher Fogle, Extension Office mentioned for the new building at the fairgrounds which will also be the new office space for the Extension Office. After a few minutes of discussion, the commissioners stated that they would discuss this further at their next meeting.
The OCRA grant close out was approved for the Decatur County YMCA roof. The OCRA grant was for $500,000 and the YMCA paid $500,000 for the new roof. The county worked as a pass-through entity for the grant.
The commissioners approved a transfer for the Sheriff’s Department and the Fairgrounds, and these will go before the County Council for approval.
