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Council approves solar installations at police and Fire Station 2, defers City Hall work
Summary
Council authorized a contract with Foothill Electric to install rooftop solar at the Auburn Police Department and Fire Station 2 (Geetson Station), deferring City Hall work because of roof, HVAC and efficiency issues and the potential financing costs to complete a larger City Hall project.
The Auburn City Council authorized solar installations at the Auburn Police Department and Fire Station 2 but elected not to proceed at this time with a City Hall solar project.
City Manager (presenting) and Sean Dean summarized proposals received in response to a May 15 RFP. Staff recommended proceeding with rooftop systems at the police department and Fire Station 2 because those roofs are newer and require minimal additional work. City Hall was not recommended for immediate solar installation due to aging building systems, multiple rooftop HVAC units, single‑pane windows, needed roof replacement and the additional cost burden that would likely require financing. “Given the building’s age… the roof needs replacing,” staff said, adding that carport options would require additional infrastructure and raise upfront costs and payback time.
Foothill Electric was the vendor selected for the police and fire projects. Staff estimated combined system cost not to exceed $462,513 (including a 10% contingency), which the council approved. Staff proposed funding the two installations from a combination of a newly created capital reserve (~$317,523), the general fund unassigned balance (~$95,307 estimated) and capital facilities funds (~$50,000). The city manager and staff also presented an analysis of financing alternatives: a hypothetical $800,000 loan at about 5% interest over eight years would add roughly $131,500 in annual debt service and $202,000 in interest, reducing or negating near‑term savings from the federal investment tax credit.
Staff and the Sustainability Advisory Committee noted expected payback and system performance: the fire station system showed an estimated payback of about 4.35 years and the police system about 3.69 years based on current rates and usage; City Hall rooftop and carport options showed longer paybacks (about 5.44 and 7.73 years respectively) and additional capital needs. Members of the Sustainability Advisory Committee and other commenters urged the council to reconsider a City Hall carport option to capture the federal tax credit and maximize long‑term savings; staff said council could revisit City Hall once building upgrades or financing approaches are resolved.
Council approved the contract authorization to Foothill Electric for the police department and Fire Station 2 installations by roll call vote and directed staff to return with additional City Hall analysis if council wishes to pursue it at a later date.
