Engineering firms are an essential part of the permitting process when it comes to wind and solar farms, and DeWitt County is looking into spreading out who they use. 

Agreements with Cummins Engineering for two separate solar applications were on the agenda for Monday night's DeWitt County Land Use Committee Meeting, however, Committee Chair Buck Carter feels they shouldn't accept the first bid they receive. 

The purpose of having an engineering firm involved when solar applications are submitted is so experts can review and approve the construction plans. This process is lengthy, but necessary. Chris Hammer is concerned that Cummins could become overwhelmed if they are to be approved for every application, and feels that it would be better to spread out the work with multiple firms. 

Carter decided no action would be taken on the agreements with Cummins at the meeting, and City Administrator Dee Dee Rentmeister will seek out other potential firms before the county board meeting next week. 

Once a solar application has been approved by the county, a 60-day clock begins for the permitting process to start. For that to happen, applications must be reviewed and approved by an engineering firm, meaning that having a firm ready is necessary to stay within the timeline allotted by county ordinances.