Blackford County Building Software to Split Renewable Energy Property Taxes

From the Blackford County Council meeting on July 8, 2026

The Blackford County Commissioners approved a service order from BFS, the county's oversight contractor, to develop a process for splitting property taxes between farmland owners and renewable energy operators.

Economic Development Director Warren Brown reported that when a wind turbine sits on farmland, the taxation must be separated. The base farm value goes to the property owner, and the increased assessed value from the turbine goes to the project operator. This must be done for every parcel in every solar and wind project in the county.

BFS will help develop software, train county staff, and provide technical support for one to two years.

With renewable energy projects now under construction, the county needs the system in place before tax payments begin.

Source: YouTube transcript — Blackford County - County Council Meeting - July 08, 2026

Some information may be inaccurate due to video audio quality.