The Cherokee County Commissioners met with Planning and Zoning Chairman Brett Warstler. They asked for clarification on the proposed resolution pertaining to the moratorium. Warstler stated that it was discussed in their November meeting, and the nine months would have been at the end of August, which would give the commissioners 60 days to review all of the information that they received from Confluence and the recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Advisory Committee.

The resolution pertains to Commercial Renewable Energy (multiple wind turbines and/or solar panels), Cryptocurrency mining operations, Data Centers, Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), New and unpermitted landfills and transfer stations, Quarry, Nuclear Energy Plant. The commission approved the resolution adopting a moratorium with a term of 9 months after the passage of the resolution. This is not an extension of the existing moratorium, but in conjunction with the one existing moratorium, which ends in July of 2026. This moratorium will be in place until September 22nd, 2026. Dr. Corey Bates came before the commission asking about why he needs to move the fence he just built. He stated that he understands the right-of-way, but wants clarification on why, on one side of the road, the fence is 18 feet from the center of the road. On his side of the road, the fence needs to be 32 feet from the center of the road. It was stated that there is a 50-foot easement. The commission stated that they were not going to have Road and Bridge Supervisor Cody Zook violate the State Statute. Bates asked, since the other roads around that area only have a 40-foot easement, could that section of the road have a 40-foot easement as well? It was stated that they would have to do some investigation.

Zook addressed the commission about the intersection of SW 40th and Clem. He stated that it does not have any signage, but it is a blind intersection. He asked about possible yield signs being installed. It was stated to have the Sheriff Department look at the area and give a recommendation.

Zook, Treasurer Heather Sapp, Appraiser Delinda White, Register of Deeds Karen Johnson, all presented pay raises for employees for 2026. Commissioners tabled until next Monday.

The courthouse will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday for Christmas, but will be open on Friday for business.

County Commission meetings can be viewed live on our Facebook page, and they are uploaded to our YouTube channel www.youtube.com/@galenasentinel-times9845