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In a brief Winneshiek County Supervisors meeting held on Monday, June 24, the supervisors heard from Winneshiek County Energy District and passed the previously discussed New Year Appropriations Resolution. Energy District AuditThe meeting began with some information from two representatives from the Winneshiek County Energy District. Executive Director Kristin Eggen and Energy Planner, Paul Cutting spoke to the supervisors about options for a no-cost energy audit of the newly-acquired Community Services Building, as well as evaluating the building's potential for solar energy. Cutting noted that he had spoken to City Councilman Steve Zittergruen and Matt Tapscott of The Decorah Community Food Pantry over the last few years. Their conversations were about possible energy efficiency opportunities for the Spectrum Building prior to its acquisition by Winnshiek County. "Back in 2022, an Alliant Energy audit was done above the Community Food Pantry portion, the Spectrum portion. And, at that point, [when] it was also a part of the kitchen at 200 Railroad Avenue," Cutting said. "So, that energy audit was done two years ago. I think the findings are probably current. As to what projects were actually carried out, I don't know, that's a big question mark. I'd be happy to walk the building if I'm not able to figure that out based on past records or conversations with folks." According to Cutting, the 2022 audit outlined approximately $16,000 in lighting upgrades, which would have "a return on investment in about six years, yielding about $22,000 of efficiency improvements every year." "In addition to that, after the low-hanging efficiency portion is done, you might investigate rooftop solar," Cutting stated. Cutting outlined two avenues for procuring solar energy for the building. "Essentially, with solar, you have two options. Direct ownership, which carries a substantial upfront investment. The other alternative, which most counties, local governments and school districts have done, is through a PPA arrangement. [Where] you're essentially partnering with a developer who has tax liability. You are essentially serving as the host for solar, and then that private developer, in addition to taking advantage of a 30% tax credit, [are] also able to take advantage of the REAP program," Cutting added. The REAP (Rural Energy for America Program) provides loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements. Eligible applicants include agricultural producers with at least 50% income from agricultural operations and small businesses in rural areas with populations of 50,000 or less. Loan guarantees cover up to 75% of project costs, with grants covering up to 50%. Funds can be used for renewable energy installations and energy efficiency upgrades. The program aims to increase renewable energy supply and reduce energy demand, lowering energy costs for small businesses and agricultural producers. "This type of arrangement is quite favorable in that you don't have to upfront the money in the beginning, you're able to see cost reductions in your electricity, and then you're able to actualize savings. I'm happy to put together numbers as to what the direct ownership model and the PPA arrangement might look like for you. If you were to decide on the PPA arrangement, you as an entity could come with a developer in mind to a solar installer… Alternatively, the 'cleaner way' is to work with a solar installer who has a developer in hand," Cutting concluded. Supervisor Shirley Vermace mentioned that she had spoken with City Councilman Christopher Miculinich at Spectrum, who was unable to ascertain the extent of the projects finished in the wake of the 2022 audit. "So, right now, what we could work with Winneshiek Energy District to do is get that walkthrough of utilities first to see what was done in 2022 and what wasn't?" Vermace asked. Cutting confirmed that would be the first step, also noting that the audit from 2022 did not specify the evaluation of the rebates from Alliant's side. "I don't know if the value of those would have changed and if they were accounted for in their analysis," Cutting answered. Supervisor Mark Vick voiced his support for the audit and the potential efficiency options available for the building, mentioning that UpperExplorerLand had recently achieved about a 10% savings in their energy costs after their own audit. Supervisor Mark Faldet also voiced support, noting that the audit would be of no cost to the county, so they might as well take advantage of it. Cutting also advised that the supervisors were likely due for another audit from Alliant Energy and that it would be best to move forward with both audits in tandem. Vermace was chosen to be the supervisors' contact person between Alliant and the Energy District to finalize both audits. New Year Appropriations ResolutionThe New Year Resolution, prepared by County Auditor Ben Steines, was presented to the supervisors to consider. The document greenlit 100% of all appropriations to every county department except for public health, which would receive 50%, a contentious decision that had been voted on at last week's meeting. Supervisor Mark Vick moved to approve the Appropriations Resolution with a second from Supervisor Steve Kelsay.The motion passed with four "ayes" and one "no" from Supervisor Shirley Vermace. Supervisor Chair Dan Langreck signed the resolution. Vermace clarified her reasoning for her dissenting vote. "I don't know if you can enter it in the minutes, but the reason for my 'no' is based on the public health reduction," Vermace said. Never a dull moment! Subscribe to the free DecorahNews.com newsletter and stay one step ahead with local news and information you just can't get anywhere else.

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Supervisors Explore No-Cost Energy Audit and Solar Options