LITTLE RIVER, Ark. (KSLA) – Once again, Little River County residents gathered on Aug. 11 as leaders considered giving a tax abatement to Nextera, a Florida-based solar energy company.
The company is asking for a 65% tax abatement to construct a solar energy farm in the county.
Last month, the quorum court voted against the abatement and Judge Larry Cowlin vetoed their decision. On Monday, Aug. 11, the court overrode that veto.
Quorum court member, Suzanne Ward, said the company can still build on the location, just without the tax break.
“They are investing a lot of money in our community but it is so that they can make money. It is not to bring jobs and revenue to the county,” said Ward.
Resident Tracy Jones is a leader in this fight and said the proposed site is next to his property. Jones said they have now filed a lawsuit against Judge Cowlin.
“Our attorneys will give us their opinions moving forward. The judge has entered into an Act 9. It would likely have to be heard in circuit court. Our question is whether the judge have the authority to ever do that without the vote of the quorum court. We do not believe the law supports what he has done,” said Jones.
Judge Cowlin did not comment on Monday’s action.
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