The DeWitt County Board has been busy hearing from solar companies seeking to develop in DeWitt County.

In just the last month, the County Board has had four applications come to them and Board Chair Joe Witte reminds these applications have to have a hearing within 60 days of the filing. This has been a huge time commitment by the Board because of a change the County made to the hearing process.

At last week's DeWitt County Board meeting, Witte indicates the County approved agreements with Chastain and Associates for supervision during the building process. He reminds, the County has a part time Zoning Administrator and so they need this oversight during the building process.

Many are watching the proposed solar development process in Farmer City because the Farmer City Council has not given the blessing on that project, however, depending on how it plays out, Witte indicates the Board has been advised by their legal representation - the State's Attorney - they would likely need to approve the project if the company meets all the guidelines laid out by the State of Illinois.

Witte indicates the process to get an application through the local government could be even less than 60 days. While not imminent, Witte has heard rumblings the State could be considering condensing the timeline even further.