ROCKFORD - There was a big debate over an amendement to Winnebago County's wind farm ordinance, but in the end, the zoning board passed it.

That amendment allows people or companies to submit applications to install wind farms in the county. It makes wind farms permitted use, which means there's no public hearing before an application is approved.

Not everyone is happy about the amendment, but there are still things citizens can do if they don't want a wind farm installed by them.

"Through your zoning board committee members and county board members to voice your opinions and I would encourage when people hear about it, get the word out through, you know, any questions you have ask your county board members early in the process," Zoning Board Chair Paul Gorski said.

The amendment will be read in at Thursday's county board meeting, then should be voted on in two weeks at the next meeting.

Gorski expects Navitas Energy, who wants to build a wind farm in the county, to fill out an application quickly if the county board passes the amendment.