Wind farm could cost us our health, safety
Kokomo Tribune | December 14, 2012 | kokomotribune.com
I understand that our schools have suffered in recent years. Households have suffered even worse. Don’t even want to compare the two.
Households have already lost substantial property values. The Prairie Breeze Wind Farm could put even more homes underwater, and create more empty homes.
There is no easy answer how to raise more revenue for education to cover the cuts from the state level. Tipton County taxpayers will suffer no matter what. Most importantly, leaders should look into avenues that do not restrict future growth of our community while raising income.
How can enrollment numbers increase when all the available land for growth is covered in windmills? It is not possible to do both with this plan.
The current restrictions in place for a 5-acre minimum building site needs changed. At the current value of land, that site would cost $42,500. It would be a completely different story if the farmers could sell 1-acre lots for $15,000 to $20,000. Then we may see some growth in Tipton County.
Chrysler has hired 1,000 people since bankruptcy, and Tri-Central’s enrollment numbers are going down. Maybe we should look at the policies in place that are keeping them from choosing Tipton County.
Another way to generate more income for the schools would be to utilize the 1 percent property tax cap. This raises more income for schools and doesn’t restrict growth. It will not negatively affect home values either.
Our schools superintendent has picked a side, and I understand his concern for Tri-Central. He is retiring though, and I’m not sure he should be the one discussing the next 30 years. He doesn’t live out here nor does he pay property taxes. He can voice his political stance with his position but won’t allow concerned citizens to use the school to reach out to the community politically.
It is definitely an emotional subject and will be for years to come after seeing the future plans for Tipton, Madison, Grant and Howard counties. Several areas, if not all, will see and feel an impact. It will be felt monetarily, emotionally, stressfully and negatively.
Your health and safety, and your children’s health and safety, may be the worst loss of all.
Brian Key Sharpsville
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/12/14/wind-farm-could-cost-us-our-health-safety/