By Sarah Avans
Correspondent
TRENTON, Ga. - An energy company wants to help Dade County save money on its energy costs.
Last week, Walt Gregory with the Chevron Corp. proposed a plan to county commissioners for about $745,000 worth of new energy-conserving equipment and fittings for county buildings.
He said the buildings need new lighting systems and water pumps. One boiler is between 40 and 50 years old and is near final collapse, he said.
The commission could avoid a major capital expense by signing a 15-year financing agreement at 4.5 percent interest, he said, with a monthly payment of $1,300. But Chevron will guarantee the county a savings of at least $855,000 in energy costs over the same period, he said.
While commissioners agreed that the equipment is old and needs replacing, some weren't comfortable with the idea of financing a $90,000 boiler for 15 years.
"We really do need to spend some time on this," Commission Chairman Ted Rumley said. "It does sound to good to be true."
Mr. Gregory said that, if the savings didn't reach the promised amount, Chevron would pay the difference.
Also at the meeting, Commissioner Lamar Lowery said the remodeling of the old Dade County Courthouse is coming along, with roof repairs under way and wallboard installation coming up.
Commissioner Peter Cervelli commented on revenue from the special purpose local option sales tax. He said revenues are about $179,000 below what was hoped for at this point and the trend isn't going up.
"We are flat in terms of sales tax revenue," Mr. Cervelli said. "It's not increasing nor decreasing."
Sarah Avans is based in Dade County. E-mail her at smccurter.ctfp@gmail.com
Continue reading by following this link to related stories: