Taylor County leaders push back on wind company’s $7.4M tax proposal

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) — Windmills in Taylor County’s western hills could be disappearing. Wind energy company AES recently met with county leadership to discuss a tax abatement deal, offering the county monetary incentives and other amenities over the next 25 years.

At the most recent Taylor County Commissioners Court meeting, wind energy company AES representatives proposed a deal with the county to try to secure a tax abatement for a renewal project for the company’s wind turbines in the area. AES aims to replace old wind turbines located in the western portion of Taylor County that have been in service for around 20 years. Between Taylor and Nolan County, the company aims to replace 117 of their 282 units in the area with newer turbines that are 200 feet taller than the old ones and have a fire suppression system installed in each unit.

To help with the finances for this massive undertaking, the AES proposed a tax abatement application with Taylor County. In exchange, the county would see a kickback from AES, which would provide the county with around $7.4 million in funding as well as incentives like vehicles to county volunteer fire departments, EMS services, and the Sheriff’s Office over a 25-year period.

County leadership’s response to this proposed deal was likely not one that the AES representatives expected. Several commissioners outlined a 20-year history of dealings with AES and cited a lack of communication between the company and the county and poor community partnership, giving the county reservations about brokering a deal with AES. Taylor County Judge Phil Crowley pointed out the company’s lack of community involvement and addressed the concerns he has received from county residents regarding the wind turbines.

“I’ll just be honest, the community out there is frustrated with the wind turbines. The fire department is frustrated with the wind turbines,” Crowley said. “It’s my understanding y’all haven’t given any money to the fire departments, even though the wind turbines have caused some fires out there.” 

Judge Crowley wasn’t the only one who cited issues with the company. Precinct 1 Commissioner Randy Williams also spoke to his grievances with AES and highlighted one instance where communication with the company was less desirable.

“You kind of remind me of a lawyer that’s got a really lousy client,” Williams said. “I’ve been in communication with the CEO of your company, requesting that they consider helping us purchase a water tanker trailer for the very purpose of supporting the volunteer fire departments. I got no response. No, thank you for your letter. No, nothing. Because of that and because of this history, I don’t have a good taste in my mouth for AES.”

The representatives for AES went on to say that if a deal with the county is not reached, they will not replace the old turbines with new ones and will decommission and tear down the old units. At this time, the county has taken no action on the AES tax abatement application proposal, with the county saying that unless a commissioner would like to put this item on a future meeting agenda, it will likely not be discussed in the commissioner’s court again.