The Potter County Commissioners Court met Monday to address several agenda items affecting county development, public safety, and administrative matters. Key topics included a tax abatement agreement with Yellow Rose Solar Project LLC, a 90-day burn ban, updates on Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones (TIRZ), and various county appointments.
One of the most significant items discussed was the tax abatement agreement with Yellow Rose Solar Project LLC, a solar energy project spanning Potter and Carson Counties. The project is planned on more than 18,000 acres, with clusters of solar panels across 3,000 acres, approximately five miles northwest of Amarillo.
According to Alicia Wheeler, project developer with Orion Renewable Energy Group LLC, which is developing Yellow Rose, the solar facility is expected to generate up to 1,500 megawatts (MW) of electricity. For context, one megawatt of solar energy can power roughly 250 homes. The energy produced can be purchased by utilities such as Xcel Energy, as well as large data centers and other municipal or corporate buyers.
The project is structured in three phases, with the first phase expected to be operational within two years after construction begins, which could start later this year. Under the tax abatement agreement, Yellow Rose will make annual payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT) for 10 years per project phase. The agreement specifies payments of $1,850 per MW of solar generation capacity and $1,350 per MW for the battery energy storage system (BESS), estimated at 500 to 750 MW.
Wheeler noted that Yellow Rose will pay local landowners a combined $9 million annually for leased property and anticipates creating 300 to 400 construction jobs during each two-year phase. Once the project is complete, the operation will require five to eight full-time employees.
Public feedback on the tax abatement agreement was mixed. Supporters highlighted the economic and energy benefits, while some nearby residents raised concerns about safety risks, particularly related to potential damage from Texas winds and severe weather. Wheeler emphasized that the project’s survey lines are set back at least 250 feet from nonparticipating landowners’ properties and that buffers of 250 to 500 feet were added in areas where concerns were raised. Environmental and wildlife studies have been conducted, and the project design remains flexible to accommodate safety and community concerns.
After a brief executive session, the commissioners approved the tax abatement agreement by a 4-0 vote, with Potter County Judge Nancy Tanner absent from the meeting.
In addition to the solar project, the commissioners implemented a 90-day burn ban, effective Jan. 12 through April 12. Fire Marshal Mary Willis explained the reasoning behind the decision:
“As y’all all know, this time of year we’re going into a very dry season with high winds. Our fuel loads are definitely there throughout the county, and we’re starting to see an uptick on our roadside starts, on fires. So I’m asking for a 90-day burn ban, and that will give us time to get through these heavier, windy days and reevaluate and hopefully get some rainfall between now and then.”
Other county staffing decisions included the approval, by a 3-1 vote, of a new full-time position in the Potter County Tax Office, with Commissioner John Coffee voting against the measure. Additionally, the court confirmed the employment of three new firefighters, who began work in December.
The meeting also included updates on Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones (TIRZ). Drew Brassfield, Assistant Director of Planning for the City of Amarillo, reported on the developer agreement between TIRZ #1 and Herring Hotel Partners, LLC, regarding the renovation of the historic downtown Herring Hotel. The commissioners did not take formal action on this item, as the Amarillo City Council will consider approving the agreement at its meeting the following day.
County board appointments were also addressed. Gary Pitner was appointed to the board of TIRZ #1, and David Walker to TIRZ #2. Commissioner Coffee suggested exploring better ways to notify county residents of opportunities to serve on boards and committees, highlighting the importance of civic engagement in local governance.
Other agenda items included the County Holiday Policy, a resolution supporting a county exemption from the State Hotel Occupancy Tax, employment matters, updates on county projects, a jail report, and a report on county insurance. Public comments were invited throughout the meeting, providing a platform for residents to voice concerns or support for county initiatives.
Overall, Monday’s meeting reflected Potter County’s ongoing efforts to balance economic development, public safety, and community engagement. The approval of the Yellow Rose Solar Project tax agreement represents a significant step toward expanding renewable energy infrastructure in the region, while the burn ban and staffing decisions demonstrate attention to safety and operational needs.
Potter County Commissioners continue to manage a diverse portfolio of initiatives, from energy projects to historic preservation, reflecting the county’s commitment to long-term planning and responsible governance. Residents and stakeholders can expect continued updates as projects progress and new policies are considered in future meetings.
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