During the regularly scheduled monthly commissioners’ meeting on Monday, Nov. 10, 2025, a RES Energy Project Director and Development Officer, is on the agenda to present a proposed Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) that is being considered on private property just west of town, within the county and outside of the city limits. In addition to the company representative, a Senior Energy Storage Engineer, Senior Safety & Quality Supervisor, and an independent Energy Storage Specialist & Fire Consultant will be present. The county has invited available board members from fellow taxing entities including city council members, hospital board members and school officials to attend and learn alongside them the potential pros and cons of the proposed project.
The commissioner meeting begins at 9 a.m. in the Commissioners’ Courtroom on the first floor at the Menard County Courthouse. The BESS presentation is a workshop that will include the company presentation and a question-and-answer session/public comment to follow the completion of routine county business.
Members of the public who choose to attend will be required to sign in and adhere to meeting instructions when communicating their thoughts and opinions. Monday's workshop will be filmed by The Menard News and technology willing, be posted online with free access for locals to hear the presentation and discussion firsthand. Instructions on how to access the recording will be provided on the News Facebook page as soon as available, and coverage of the workshop will be provided in next week’s newspaper.
Editor's note: The above-mentioned portion of the meeting can be accessed at this link: https://youtu.be/nrWLkJSrAD4?si=3T2AIiw0mMm5n8GV