MORO/EDWARDSVILLE - The Madison County Board did not approve a solar project in Moro during their regular meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025.
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Larry and Charlene Bandy have requested a special use permit to develop a commercial solar energy facility in an agricultural district in Moro Township. On Nov. 19, 2025, the Madison County Board denied this special use permit.
During the public comment period of the Dec. 17 meeting, several people spoke against the solar project and thanked the Madison County Board for their previous denial.
“I want to remind you all that you did the right thing,” said Julie Hamilton, a Madison County resident. “You listened to us citizens of the county…Most importantly, you voted to support us, not the out-of-state solar companies.”
In the weeks following the vote, the Bandys agreed to additional conditions for the special use permit. They agreed to create a modified setback of 335 feet and to provide a decommissioning bond. They also promised to maintain all vegetation and to alert the Madison County Building & Zoning Administrator if they decide to transfer ownership of the property. If they do not adhere to the conditions of the special use permit, it will be revoked and the solar project must be removed.
With these conditions, the Madison County Board was asked to repeal and rescind their previous denial and approve the project.
The Board entered closed session for over an hour on Dec. 17 prior to the vote. When they resumed in open session, the 22 present Board members took a voice vote to determine whether to approve the project.
Bobby Ross, Valerie Doucleff, Michael “Doc” Holliday, Bill Stoutenborough, Dalton Gray, Donald McMaster, Alison Lamothe, Nick Petrillo, Linda Wolfe, Paul Nicolussi and Jason Palmero voted for the project.
Fred Michael, Ron Simpson, Frank Dickerson, Michael “Mick” Madison, Linda Ogden, Chrissy Wiley, Terry Eaker, Robert Meyer, Denise Wiehardt, John Janek and Fred Schulte voted against it.
Shawndell Wilson, Brynn Kincheloe, Victor Valentine and Chris Guy were absent.
Because the vote tied, the motion failed, and the project was not approved.
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