County to hire windmill flicker monitor

LUDINGTON — Mason County will soon have a part-time seasonal employee whose purpose will be to monitor the flicker caused by wind turbines in the Lake Winds Energy Park in Riverton and Summit townships. The county commission is expected to approve the $2,500 a year position at its regular meeting Tuesday night.

Zoning and Building Director Mary Reilly told the county’s Buildings, Planning, Drains and Airport committee that she expected Consumers Energy, owner of the wind turbines, to reimburse the county for the cost.

Since the turbines were turned on last November, Reilly said she has been monitoring the flicker cast on residents’ homes. However, the sun is higher in the sky longer during the summer months, meaning it is necessary to have someone else do the monitoring. Residents have also been keeping track.

The commission meets at 7 p.m. in the courthouse.