Manhattan Township Officials Question Solar Farm Tax Revenue Estimates

Manhattan Township Board Meeting | Oct. 14, 2025

Article Summary: During a discussion on solar energy developments, the Township Assessor raised concerns that his tax revenue calculations do not match the figures promoted by a solar development company. The Board also reviewed surety bonds provided by another solar developer and prepared for an upcoming meeting with industry representatives.

Solar Development Key Points:

• Revenue Discrepancy: Assessor Joe Oldani stated that his tax revenue assessments, based on 860 megawatts of generation, do not align with the numbers promoted by Earthrise Solar Development.

• Upcoming Meeting: Earthrise Solar Development representatives have agreed to attend the Township’s November board meeting to clarify land usage.

• Security Bonds: Soltage Solar Energy Development is providing a $20,000 surety bond for property maintenance and a $10,000 bond for road protection.

• Tax Warning: Oldani noted that solar developments will only benefit resident taxes if local taxing bodies do not increase their levies.

The Manhattan Township Board on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, engaged in a detailed discussion regarding solar energy developments, with a specific focus on scrutinizing projected tax revenues and securing infrastructure protections.

Assessor Joe Oldani, participating via phone, reported that he performed an independent assessment of the potential tax revenue that could be generated by Earthrise Solar Development. Oldani informed the Board that his calculations do not match the numbers the company is currently promoting. His analysis was based on 860 megawatts being generated within the township. He suggested the Board needs to question exactly how many megawatts will be produced within the township’s specific boundary lines.

Oldani offered a caution regarding the financial impact on residents. “The only way solar farm developments will be beneficial to our residents’ taxes is if taxing bodies do not increase their levies,” the minutes recorded him stating.

Consequently, the Board identified action items including scheduling meetings with other taxing bodies within Manhattan Township, as well as with Supervisors from adjacent townships that have the project within their jurisdictions.

Clerk Kelly Baltas reported that Earthrise Solar Development has agreed to attend the Township’s November board meeting. Officials hope to gain a better understanding of whose land is involved in the project and whether it is being used for panel construction or easements for wiring. Additionally, Township Legal Counsel Cass Wennlund has provided Earthrise with an example of the Road District’s Road Use Agreement, though no correspondence has been received in return.

The Board also discussed Soltage Solar Energy Development, another entity operating in the area. Soltage will provide a $20,000 surety bond that the Township can draw against if maintenance falls into disrepair on their property near Manhattan Road and Cherry Hill Road. Furthermore, Soltage will issue a $10,000 bond to the road district as a precaution against construction traffic illegally using township roads.

In related business, Clerk Baltas noted she shared the recently approved “Solar Energy Facility Development Requirements and Policy” with Will County Land Use liaison Marguarite Kenney to keep on file for future special use permit applications.