The Knox County Board on Feb. 25 approved a conditional use permit for a proposed solar energy farm near Wataga and advanced several infrastructure and equipment projects, including nearly $400,000 in payments for nursing home renovations.
Board Vice Chair Brian Friedrich served as chair in place of Chairman Jared Hawkinson, who, along with three other board members, was absent.
Solar project near Wataga approved
The board voted 11-0 to approve Zoning Board of Appeals Case CU-01-26, granting a conditional use permit for Wataga Solar LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Navisun LLC, to construct a solar energy facility in an agricultural zoning district along U.S. Highway 150 north of Wataga. The request had previously received a 4-0 voice vote recommendation for approval from the Zoning Board of Appeals following a Feb. 4 public hearing.
During discussion, board members noted there were no written objections filed and no formal opposition at the zoning hearing. A company representative attended the meeting via teleconference.
According to the Zoning Board of Appeals’ findings, the project would not adversely affect surrounding properties, impede development or create traffic congestion, and is expected to generate additional tax revenue.
Health department report presented
The board also approved the Knox County Health Department’s 2025 annual report. Health Department Administrator Michelle Gabriel told the board the report includes communicable disease statistics, updates on health center services and fiscal information. The department is required by state code to present the report within 90 days of the close of its fiscal year.
Infrastructure and equipment projects advance
In infrastructure matters, the board approved:
- A $53,065 bid from Economy Roofing for replacement of the scale house roof at the Knox County Landfill. The bid was among eight received for the project, according to bid tabulations included in the board packet.
- A $398,977.97 pay application for the nursing home performance project, bringing total completed and stored costs to more than $4.6 million of the approximately $7.6 million contract.
- Two payments to Hein Construction totaling $42,311.65 for work on the courthouse ramp project.
- Purchase of a used semi-tractor for the Highway Department at a cost of $104,031.63, amended from an earlier not-to-exceed figure of $125,000.
Insurance, records bids authorized
The board also authorized bids to be sought for employee health, life, dental and vision insurance coverage, as well as for scanning and indexing real estate record books. Treasurer Robin Davis said digitizing records could reduce storage needs and potential relocation costs if county offices move in the future.
Claims, reimbursements approved
In financial matters, the board approved $2,085,035.48 in claims against the county for the period from Jan. 28 through Feb. 25, as well as $3,703.25 in per diem and mileage reimbursements for board members.
Sales tax and other tax receipts for November 2025 were reported at $174,907.25 and $82,921.92, with public safety tax revenue totaling $303,540.12.
Public comment highlights Black History Month, rail investment
During public comment, board member Pam Davidson urged recognition of Black History Month and called on residents to remember the broader scope of Black history. Ken Springer of the Knox County Area Partnership for Economic Development highlighted a planned BNSF Railway investment in its Galesburg rail yard.
The next regular meeting of the Knox County Board is scheduled for 6 p.m. March 25 at Galesburg City Hall.