CLINTON - Anticipating the construction of a wind farm in DeWitt County, the County Board formally adopted an ordinance governing the turbine towers Thursday night after more than two years of research and writing.

But board members say more work on the ordinance is necessary before special-use permits are granted and towers are constructed.

As written, the ordinance requires the towers to be no taller than 375 feet and no closer to a property line than 413 feet. The ordinance allows for that 413-foot setback to be waived if the wind farm owner and the owner of the leased wind turbine site agree.

Despite the unanimous passage of the ordinance, board members say they would like to research the wording concerning the setback provision.

"It appears we are giving away some of our power," board member Laura Enger said. "Once the property owner and the company make a deal, the county is out of the picture as to how far something is set back from the property lines."

Board member Sherry Brown said all wind farm applicants will have to apply for special-use permits anyway, but she still feels more work is needed on the ordinance.

"I have issues with the property owners having too much say," Brown said. "I want the ordinance to move forward, but I have some concerns about some of the clarifications on the setbacks."

Tradewind Energy has plans to build a wind farm in DeWitt County, but it still is months away from applying for any permits. The County Board's land use committee is expected to revisit the ordinance in May.

"It will take more than 30 days to put up any type of tower anyway," board member Dennis Rich said. "We have ample time. It would be nice to get the ordinance passed and look at the language of the setbacks next month."