New rooftop chiller cut City Hall energy use; finance committee okays mayor to sign service agreement

The Homewood City Finance Committee on March 3 voted 3-0 to authorize the mayor to sign a service agreement that will reinstate quarterly maintenance for the city’s newly installed rooftop chiller and building controls.

Committee members discussed reports showing the system reduced annual electricity use at City Hall by more than 14% and reduced annual electricity costs by a little more than 8% despite local electricity rates increasing by over 6% since 2023. The committee approved the motion after staff said the contractor would charge $4,040 per quarter (annualized at $12,120) for ongoing service; the contractor asked that the reinstated agreement be effective March 1 through the end of the current fiscal year, Sept. 30, 2025.

Why it matters: The committee…