Why the Status Quo Isn’t Sustainable
As residents already know, county finances are under pressure and taxpayers are bearing the burden.
Sales tax revenue has dropped sharply, reserves have been drawn down, and basic services, from roads to public safety, remain strained. With limited economic growth, the county lacks options to close the gap.
That’s why property taxes have risen by 24% since 2023 (above revenue neutral rate) and why more increases are likely if nothing changes.
A Different Path: Revenue from Rainbow Springs Solar
Rainbow Springs Solar offers something Cherokee County doesn’t have today: a large, long-term source of new revenue that doesn’t come from local taxpayers.
According to an economic analysis by
Wichita State University, the project would deliver $38 million in total economic benefit to Cherokee County and ongoing local spending tied to operations and maintenance.
That revenue flows to the county from private investment and not from local taxpayers.
What Rainbow Springs Solar Means for County Taxpayers Frequently Asked Questions
What is the supporting evidence showing Rainbow Springs Solar will provide an economic benefit to Cherokee County?
Wichita State University completed an
economic study in 2025 that concludes that “Cherokee County is estimated to gain over $38 million in new revenue due to Rainbow Springs Solar.” The economic study was completed by the Barton School of Business at Wichita State University, one of Kansas’s most respected business programs. They used a standard method that’s trusted by economists to measure local economic impact.
Read the full study to learn more.
How much land would Rainbow Springs Solar require?
Rainbow Springs Solar would only use less than 1% of total county land, while providing steadylease income to local landowners and $38 million in economic benefits to thecounty.
Does solar raise my taxes?
No. The $38 million comes from private investment and project taxes that the solar project pays, not homeowners.
Who pays for cleanup?
The project must fully decommission and restore the land, enforced by legally-backed financial guarantees made with the county. At the beginning of the project Rainbow Springs Solar will put money into a dedicated decommissioning fund. When the project ends, we’ll be required to remove all equipment and restore the land to its prior condition. The amount of the fund is determined by a licensed professional and approved by the County Commissioners.
Does the county maintain control?
Yes. The county sets the rules and enforces them locally.
Can we put solar panels over parking lots, or on warehouses or other large buildings instead of farmland?
Covering a parking lot or roofs are a common suggestion, and there are many companies that focus on that. Unfortunately, it isn’t feasible or cost-effective for utility-scale power generation, which is necessary to meet America’s increasing energy needs. And rooftop solar would not generate the tax revenue needed by the county.
What happens if the project is sold or has financial problems?
The terms of the agreements signed by Rainbow Springs Solar with Cherokee County will apply to a successor if the unlikely need arises, protecting the county, the community and the landowner.
Additionally, the County will hold and have access to the dedicated decommissioning fund that Clearway creates before building the project. No matter what, the County will have funds to support removal of the equipment and land restoration. That’s exactly what the fund is for. No matter what happens, the funding is in place to remove all of the equipment and restore the land.
.jpg)
