The DeWitt County Board last Thursday night voted to block any further issuances of building permits for the Alta Farms II wind project in DeWitt County until Enel Green Power proves they can curtail the towers during severe weather events.

DeWitt County Board Chair Terry Ferguson wanted to give Enel Green Power two weeks to return with an answer to the concern raised by Board members. Ferguson says it was after the meeting he had a response from Enel in his County email.

The vote last Thursday was on a motion that was not on the agenda ahead of the meeting which Board members contended could have opened the County up to liability. Ferguson indicates he wanted to focus on giving Enel time to respond before the ultimatum that was put on the table.e

With a little over half the permits now issued and an answer from Enel about the curtailment process, Ferguson considers the issue settled in his mind. The question becomes, does the rest of the Board consider it settled?

State's Attorney Dan Markwell was not at Thursday night's meeting, which objecting board members pointed to when discussing the motion. Ferguson indicates he did not know about the measure was going to be brought forward other than there was going to be a discussion. He admits perhaps he dropped the ball even though the agenda stated "possible action" on the curtailment issue.

Enel Green Power had no comment on the situation when reached Friday morning.