After a 40-minutes public hearing Tuesday, the Sherburne County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to deny a request by US Solar/MMPA to amend the county’s land use map to allow a 3.5 megawatt solar farm on a 38-acre parcel in Big Lake. Twp.
The board also denied a request for an interim use permit for the same solar farm.
The issue first came before the board in mid-March, at which time they tabled the request while staff gathered more information on issues such as the impact on wetlands on the parcel, the effect on property values for homes in the area and whether approval would create a landlocked parcel.
There had already been extensive testimony during a public hearing before the Planning Advisory Commission in February. Some neighboring residents objected to the impact it would have on the area, including altering the ecosystem and disrupting wildlife. After the hearing closed, the Planning Commission voted, 6-1 to recommend denial.
That testimony continued Tuesday, as 11 more people spoke about the effect it would have in a residential area.
Mike Wirz read a petition signed by 108 area people who wanted the request denied. His daughter Courtney Wirz argued that allowing the solar farm would go against the comprehensive plan already adopted by the county.
“I’m asking you to uphold that framework to apply consistently and support the denial,” she said, “because that’s what I expect from the people I elected to represent this county.”
Tim Kelly, attorney for the applicant, said his client went through all the steps to have a solar farm approved.
“The applicant believes the evidence before the county board establishes that MMPA has satisfied all the criteria for approval,” he said.
After the hearing was closed, members of the board discussed the issue for another 10 minutes.
Commissioner Gregg Felber said a solar farm would have a negative effect on area properties.
“I think that is a legal basis for us to vote to deny this petition,” he said.
Commissioner Andrew Hulse said a study showed the biggest loss to property values would be to residential rural properties of five acres or less, many of which bordered the site.
Commissioner Gary Gray said the issue of changing the comprehensive plan should have been resolved before the applicant even attempted to locate a solar farm there.
“I’ve been involved with permitting solar farms since 2015, and this is one of the first ones that I’ve ever found that the developer or public utility has purchased the property before getting permission to build a solar farm, which I find very concerning,” he said. “We should have done that before we had this meeting.”
The board voted to deny the request(s) based on findings of fact, including negative impact to the native environment, general character of neighborhood, property values and inconsistency with the comprehensive land use plan.
Snowmobile 
Association
The board passed a resolution supporting the Snowmobile Trails Assistance Program Application and Sponsorship. The agreement is made and entered into annually by and between the county and the Sherburne County Trails Association (consisting of the 4 local snowmobile clubs known as Elk Lake Easy Riders, Big Lake Snow Cruisers, Palmer Power Hounds, and the River City Snow Riders).
The DNR requires a resolution to be passed each year by the county board, to be submitted along with the Sherburne County Trail Associations’ application for State funding for trail maintenance and projects.
TIF District
The board approved the proposed Tax Increment Financing (TIF) comment letter and authorized the Assistant County Administrator to submit to Ehlers Finance Advisors prior to the Public Hearing scheduled for April 20, 2026. The City of Elk River is planning to establish TIF District #30, a 45,000+ sf manufacturing & warehousing facility addition. When complete, it is projected to add an estimated $3.38M in taxable value and 20 jobs within the first two years following construction.
Great Northern Trail
The board approved a professional and technical services agreement with Damon Farber Landscape Architects for engineering, design, public engagement and construction administration for the Great Northern Regional Trail Trailhead and Amenities Project at a cost of $150,000.
The county was awarded a Greater MN Regional Parks & Trails grant for constructing the trailhead facility and trailside amenities on the existing segment of the Great Northern Regional Trail (GNRT) in partnership with the cities of Zimmerman and Elk River.
The total project cost is $877,800, of which 80% has been grant funded through the Greater Minnesota Parks and Trails Commission.
The board also approved a joint powers agreement with Elk River and Zimmerman for cost participation for the same project. Costs are based on the percent construction estimate: Sherburne County 22.60%, Elk River 17.58%, Zimmerman 59.82%.
Other Business
In other actions the board:
• Approved a professional services Agreement with Otting House Movers for relocation of structures off of Two Inlets at Bdé Heḣáka – Omashkooz Zaaga’igaans Regional Park. The compensation in the agreement is $5,900;
• Awarded the contract for the 2026 water heater boiler replacement to El-Jay Plumbing & Heating, Inc., at a cost not to exceed $66,500;
• Approved the First Amended Prosecution Agreement authorizing the County Attorney to prosecute state law and certain ordinance violations in the City of Baldwin;
• Reaffirmed  Loraine Rupp as Sherburne County Auditor and Treasurer;
• Proclaimed the week of April 12-18 as Public Safety Telecommunications Week in Sherburne County.
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