JASPER, Tenn. - Marion County leaders delayed a discussion earlier this summer about the required matching funds for the Clean Tennessee Energy Grant Program because the money was not supposed to be awarded until September.
However, County Mayor David Jackson said those grants were awarded two weeks ago, and Marion was one of the recipients.
"We weren't expecting the grant to be awarded by the state this quick," he said. "We're on the back side of it, and I don't like doing that, but that's where we're at."
The grant is for $151,853, and Marion is required to match 51 percent of that.
At the Marion County Commission's August meeting, Jackson recommended the board approve the matching funds and commissioners voted unanimously to do so.
Jackson said approving the matching funds after the grant has already been awarded would not affect the grant's status.
The clean energy grant will give the county $309,206 to spend on new LED lighting in the Marion County Justice Center and the election commission building, new windows for the county courthouse and a replacement for the ailing cooler behind the jail.
"That thing by itself is about $250,000, and that's just a round figure, not counting installation," Jackson said. "It's not in the best of shape, and if it goes down, we will be in some serious problems."
Commissioner Joey Blevins said he's heard about problems with the justice center's cooler since he came on the board several years ago.
"I've just been holding my breath waiting for it to go out," he said. "I knew that would be terrible."
Commission Chairman Gene Hargis agreed, adding that every time the building's cooling unit turns on, "you can hear it inside the building, squealing."
Commissioner Donald Blansett said replacing the existing bulbs in several county buildings with LED technology would be worth matching the grant alone.
"I know it's $150,000, but I'd hate to turn down $150,000 from the state," he said. "They don't give it to you lightly."
The upgrades will save the county an estimated $30,745 per year with an $803,200 savings over the life cycle of the equipment.
"I think it's a good deal," Jackson said. "I just hate that we didn't get to [approve] this before the state approved [the grant]. That's what bothers me."
Ryan Lewis is based in Marion County. Contact him at ryanlewis34@gmail.com.