BioMass Energy LLC delivered a $220,000 check to county commissioners Thursday, paying property taxes owed over at least two years.

Friday, May 18, 2001

BioMass Energy LLC delivered a $220,000 check to county commissioners Thursday, paying property taxes owed over at least two years.

Commissioners forwarded the check to the county auditor’s office, and listened as Murray Sinclaire, a Cincinnati investment banker working with BioMass, addressed other concerns raised by county agencies in recent weeks.

"We showed you the money and we’d like to align our interests and solicit support," Sinclaire said.

Another banker wrote a response to financial concerns raised by commissioners about the viability of similar plants across the country. And, Sinclaire spoke briefly about environmental issues, saying the company’s technical experts cite state-of-the-art new technology – including air scrubbers – will make the plant a good fit in South Point.

Commissioners expressed their continued interest in BioMass’s proposed wood-fired power plant, but also held back on issuing direct support.

"We’re interested in jobs and energy as long as it’s done right," commissioner George Patterson said, adding that a June EPA hearing will be important.

Commissioner Jason Stephens called it a good first step. Stephens raised concerns last week about the company owing taxes, about not cleaning up property and about environmental and financial issues.