RWE Funds Updated Fiscal Sustainability Plan for Blackford County

From the Blackford County Council meeting on July 8, 2026

Baker Tilly has begun work on an updated fiscal sustainability plan for Blackford County, with the full cost paid by RWE, the renewable energy company behind Prairie Creek and other local projects.

Economic Development Director Warren Brown announced the arrangement at the July 8 County Council meeting. Baker Tilly, the same firm that produced the original plan approximately two to three years ago, started work on July 8.

The billing structure is designed to keep the county in control: Baker Tilly will bill the county directly, and RWE will reimburse. Brown emphasized that "RWE will have no fingers in this, no say, no understanding of this."

The update is needed because the original plan did not account for 2023 state tax code changes or the revenue impacts of renewable energy projects. The new plan will include all renewable energy developments as they enter the tax rolls.

The estimated timeline is four to six weeks, with a goal of completion by the first budget workshop on August 3.

Council member Ryan Goodspeed initiated the effort, and Brown handled the follow-up arrangements.

The updated plan will give the Council a long-term fiscal forecast as it heads into 2027 budget discussions.

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

Some information may be inaccurate due to video audio quality.