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CFO: district holds $1.4M in SB 1149 energy funds, state rules require transfer into capital projects for use

5668091 · August 18, 2025
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Summary

CFO Jane told the board that the district has $1.4 million in SB 1149 public purpose funds available for energy projects, that the program runs through 2036, and staff will bring an appropriation change to move approved dollars into the capital projects fund for use on eligible projects.

Jane, the district chief financial officer, told the board the district holds about $1.4 million in SB 1149 public purpose funds derived from a small charge on electric bills that utilities must allocate to energy‑efficiency projects.

Under the SB 1149 program, each qualifying electric utility collects a small public purpose charge and a percentage of that revenue must be made available to school districts for energy‑efficiency projects; Jane said the program was extended and will run through Jan. 1, 2036. She told the board the funds are kept in a special revenue account and must be used for qualified projects; the district pays project costs from other capital funds and then is reimbursed after the project is complete.

Jane said Oregon Department of Energy staff confirmed that the district's held funds have been approved for transfer out of the SB 1149 fund and into capital projects; she will bring an appropriation change for board approval next month to move the dollars into the capital projects fund. The CFO said the funds are often used to underwrite lighting upgrades, HVAC or other measures that reduce energy costs and free up recurring dollars for programs.

Board members asked for clarity on rules and timing. Jane said the district can increase the capital projects fund appropriation up to 10% without a budget committee action; the $1.4 million fits within that allowance so the board could approve an appropriation change without a supplemental budget meeting.

The superintendent and CFO said they plan to flag potential energy projects during the long‑range facilities process so the committee and community can consider energy retrofits as part of capital priorities; early investments could reduce operating costs and expand program dollars for students.