By Marcia Moore
SUNBURY — There’s been plenty of bluster among the Northumberland County commissioners regarding a proposed wind farm, but residents had little to say about the project during a special public meeting Wednesday night.
The board scheduled the 6 p.m. meeting after a crowd packed last week’s afternoon session to discuss Sunbury-based Penn Wind’s plan to set up a wind farm on county land in Coal and East Cameron townships.
Penn Wind has a 29-year lease agreement with the county and is offering to pay $156,000 each year once the wind turbines begin operating and producing electricity.
About 15 people attended Wednesday night’s meeting, but only Penn Wind CEO Justin Dunkelberger spoke up.
In his brief remarks giving an overview of the project, Dunkelberger said his company has invested $700,000 “trying to bring something to this county to allow it to be a beacon. The county will benefit from it.”
He estimates that 10 full-time and 75 part-time jobs will be needed to design, manage and maintain the wind farm, which also will improve the environment.
“Our company is doing the right thing by the county and the board to bring renewable energy,” he said.
The commissioners were surprised by the lack of feedback from residents after two weeks of public bickering, mainly between majority Commissioner Vinny Clausi and Dunkelberger, regarding the county’s revenue share.
“We gave them an opportunity,” Clausi said with a shrug as he left the meeting.
Minority Commissioner Kurt Masser viewed the lack of public comment as support.
“I think people are confident we’ll do what’s right and get the best deal for the county,” he said.
The commissioners are scheduled to meet in executive session today with Penn Wind representatives to continue negotiating the deal.
After the meeting, John Mertz, of Northumberland, approached Masser and board Chairman Frank Sawicki and explained that he didn’t say anything during the meeting because he’s unsure about the details of the project.
“I just saw what the lawyers advised, and it makes sense,” Mertz said, referring to current and past county solicitors who have cautioned the commissioners against the deal until issues, such as a financial payoff to include a percentage of the revenue, are ironed out.
He’s also concerned about Penn Wind’s plans to sell the lease and allow a California company to develop the project.
Masser said he’s not bothered by another company stepping in.
“If there were 20 California companies lined up willing to create jobs in this county, I’d be happy,” he said.
The next step for the board is to work on presenting a united front, Masser said.
“We as a board need to foster a better image to lure business,” he said.
