Decorah School Board Tables Solar Energy Lease and Easement Agreement

DECORAH, Iowa—The Decorah Community School District School Board on Monday postponed a decision on a proposed Solar Energy Lease and Easement Agreement, opting to delay approval while district officials continue negotiations on the project. The proposed agreement would allow Perry Novak Electric to install, own and operate a 120-kilowatt rooftop solar array on the Decorah Community School District's bus barn property. Under the 30-year lease, the company would pay the district $25 annually for use of a designated portion of the roof and would receive easements for sunlight access, equipment installation, maintenance and electrical connections. Perry Novak Electric would retain ownership of the solar equipment, assume responsibility for construction, insurance, taxes tied to the project, maintenance and eventual removal of the system, and provide financial security to cover decommissioning costs. The agreement is tied to a separate power purchase arrangement under which the district would buy electricity generated by the solar array, with the project intended to offset a portion of the district's energy use while avoiding upfront installation costs for taxpayers. The board first held a public hearing on the proposed agreement before its regular meeting. No members of the public offered comments, and board members reported that no written comments had been submitted regarding the proposal. Superintendent Tim Cronin told board members that discussions on the proposal were still ongoing and that district representatives were working to resolve differences between versions of the agreement. Cronin said he and another district representative planned to meet Thursday in an effort to "close the gap" on remaining issues. He indicated that a special meeting of the board would be called once negotiations are complete and a finalized agreement is ready for consideration. Board members voted unanimously to table the item rather than approve the agreement in its current form.